When a Porch Becomes a Trap

Kathy thought she was building memories. Instead, she built a paper trail.

 

Like so many homeowners, Kathy was looking for a reliable contractor to transform her backyard into a screened-in summer escape. A simple conversation at a home improvement store led to what felt like a lucky break, when a friendly man in line said he could do the job. He seemed professional. He drew up the plans and he quoted a price. He even talked about skylights!

 

Kathy thought she had found her guy. But what she got was a ghost with a nail gun and a story that kept changing.

The Trap is Set

What began as a handshake agreement soon unraveled. Kathy handed over check after check (over $8,000 in total) and the contractor made excuse after excuse. He needed money for materials. Then it was for labor. One day he was in a car accident. Another day, in the hospital. But when the dust settled, all she had was a half-built frame and a lot of unanswered texts.

 

And when she tried to get her money back?

 

The man disappeared.

 

Kathy filed complaints with the police and the courts, but got stuck in a never-ending cycle of jurisdictional finger-pointing. One agency passed her to another. One address turned out to be false. And the contractor? Still working scams… just on new victims.

Catching a Con in the Act

That’s when Kathy turned to TrustDALE.

 

Our investigative team tracked the man down by posing as potential clients. Sure enough, he showed up, ready to pitch another porch and pocket another paycheck. But this time, instead of a customer, he met consumer investigator Dale Cardwell.

 

When confronted about Kathy’s missing $8,000, the contractor dodged. He promised to repay the money. 

 

But just like before, he vanished.

 

Working with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department, TrustDALE pushed the legal system to take action. Nearly a year after he fled with Kathy’s money, the contractor was arrested and charged with theft of services. He ultimately struck a plea deal and agreed to repay Kathy or face up to five years behind bars.

What You Can Learn From Kathy’s Ordeal

This story isn’t just about one woman and one dishonest contractor. It’s about a broken system that too often fails the people it’s supposed to protect.

 

Here’s how to avoid becoming the next victim:

  • Never hire a contractor on the spot. Always verify credentials, ask for references, and check for a business license.
  • Be cautious with upfront payments. Reputable contractors typically ask for no more than 30% before beginning work.
  • Get everything in writing. A verbal agreement is a recipe for disaster. Insist on a detailed contract.
  • Document every transaction. Keep receipts, text messages, and photos of work in progress.
  • Know your rights. If something goes wrong, file complaints with both local authorities and the state licensing board.

In Kathy’s case, the justice system may have been slow to act—but thanks to her persistence and a little backup from our team, the scammer was finally held accountable.

 

While Kathy may never get back the time, stress, or emotional toll of her experience, she can now look forward to reclaiming her backyard. 

 

If you’re planning a home project, make sure you’re working with someone you can trust. At TrustDALE.com, we vet local contractors so you don’t have to learn the hard way.