Dealing with bad contractors

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Dealing with bad contractors

Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes

Hey everybody! I need your guys help and some insight on this BIG problem I got. I hired this contractor that I found on the bigger pockets website actually and I ended up getting burned by him. He’s been working on a rehab, he did a little bit of the work and then just stopped doing the work then started getting hard to reach. So I took it upon me to send somebody out to see what’s going on with my property and come to find out there is this guy that says he’s been working on my property but I never hired him or contracted him. He says the he was hired through Kevin Holmes(my original gc) which I made an payout to already but ended up running away with my money and apparently he’s been also living in my property for the last 90 days!! I don’t want to do business with this guy at all, very unprofessional and I want him out my house! Tried calling the cops but seems like nobody wants to help me! On top of that he’s threatening to put a lien on my property because supposedly he’s the real guy that did a little bit of work on my property, but I never made a direct contract with this guy. ANY INSIGHT IS MUCH APPRECIATED HELP!!!

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Bob S.

Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Where? Also NEVER pay a GC upfront, ever.

In Ohio and I wasn’t the one playing he ran off with my money.

WHere in OH, ? Again never pay anyone upfront you do not know.

Cleveland

Ok I can 100% help you, connect with me,

EVEN more to my point. I tell everyone NEVER do business in Cleveland without a team, this is what can happen.

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Charles Carillo
Rental Property Investor · North Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y
@Ivan Aldana
Renovation projects require a lot of oversight. I personally would reach out to your real estate attorney. You have lost 90 days of the renovation to a GC that ran off with your money while hiring some other Sub that seems to have not been paid and is now living at your property, and lastly, you are being threatened with a lien. It is probably time to get a lawyer involved.
2 Reply
Chris LumLee
Investor · Honolulu, HI · Member since 2017 · 187 posts · 108 votes
3y
The sub should have a beef with the thief, not you. If you can find the thief, sue him.
1 Reply
Ivan Aldana
OP
Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes
3y
Quote from @Chris LumLee:

The sub should have a beef with the thief, not you. If you can find the thief, sue him.

You would think! But he’s after me for some reason. I have no idea why. I didn’t do anything to him.
1 Reply
Chris LumLee
Investor · Honolulu, HI · Member since 2017 · 187 posts · 108 votes
3y

You would think! But he’s after me for some reason. I have no idea why. I didn’t do anything to him.

If he wants to try, then let him. I'd probably tell him that I'd like to see this alleged lien.
1 Reply
Ivan Aldana
OP
Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes
3y
Quote from @Chris LumLee:

You would think! But he’s after me for some reason. I have no idea why. I didn’t do anything to him.

If he wants to try, then let him. I'd probably tell him that I'd like to see this alleged lien.
Yeah that’s what I’m thinking too because now he’s harassing my phone and trying to scare me but I think it’s a bluff. If you know any attorneys in the Ohio area I’d really appreciate it if you send them my way!
2 Reply
Remington LymanBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Chris LumLee:

You would think! But he’s after me for some reason. I have no idea why. I didn’t do anything to him.

If he wants to try, then let him. I'd probably tell him that I'd like to see this alleged lien.
Yeah that’s what I’m thinking too because now he’s harassing my phone and trying to scare me but I think it’s a bluff. If you know any attorneys in the Ohio area I’d really appreciate it if you send them my way!

I can sent you some referrals in Ohio
[email protected]614-541-8475 Podcast Guest on Show My Job Laid Me Off, So I Replaced My Salary with Rentals
Reafco512 Reviews
Website View Page
1 Reply
Ivan Aldana
OP
Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes
3y
Quote from @Remington Lyman:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Chris LumLee:

You would think! But he’s after me for some reason. I have no idea why. I didn’t do anything to him.

If he wants to try, then let him. I'd probably tell him that I'd like to see this alleged lien.
Yeah that’s what I’m thinking too because now he’s harassing my phone and trying to scare me but I think it’s a bluff. If you know any attorneys in the Ohio area I’d really appreciate it if you send them my way!

I can sent you some referrals in Ohio
Yeah if you can that would be great!
1 Reply
Bob S.
Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Hey everybody! I need your guys help and some insight on this BIG problem I got. I hired this contractor that I found on the bigger pockets website actually and I ended up getting burned by him. He’s been working on a rehab, he did a little bit of the work and then just stopped doing the work then started getting hard to reach. So I took it upon me to send somebody out to see what’s going on with my property and come to find out there is this guy that says he’s been working on my property but I never hired him or contracted him. He says the he was hired through Kevin Holmes(my original gc) which I made an payout to already but ended up running away with my money and apparently he’s been also living in my property for the last 90 days!! I don’t want to do business with this guy at all, very unprofessional and I want him out my house! Tried calling the cops but seems like nobody wants to help me! On top of that he’s threatening to put a lien on my property because supposedly he’s the real guy that did a little bit of work on my property, but I never made a direct contract with this guy. ANY INSIGHT IS MUCH APPRECIATED HELP!!!

Where? Also NEVER pay a GC upfront, ever.
2 Reply
Ivan Aldana
OP
Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes
3y
Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Hey everybody! I need your guys help and some insight on this BIG problem I got. I hired this contractor that I found on the bigger pockets website actually and I ended up getting burned by him. He’s been working on a rehab, he did a little bit of the work and then just stopped doing the work then started getting hard to reach. So I took it upon me to send somebody out to see what’s going on with my property and come to find out there is this guy that says he’s been working on my property but I never hired him or contracted him. He says the he was hired through Kevin Holmes(my original gc) which I made an payout to already but ended up running away with my money and apparently he’s been also living in my property for the last 90 days!! I don’t want to do business with this guy at all, very unprofessional and I want him out my house! Tried calling the cops but seems like nobody wants to help me! On top of that he’s threatening to put a lien on my property because supposedly he’s the real guy that did a little bit of work on my property, but I never made a direct contract with this guy. ANY INSIGHT IS MUCH APPRECIATED HELP!!!

Where? Also NEVER pay a GC upfront, ever.

In Ohio and I wasn’t the one playing he ran off with my money.
2 Reply
Bob S.
Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Hey everybody! I need your guys help and some insight on this BIG problem I got. I hired this contractor that I found on the bigger pockets website actually and I ended up getting burned by him. He’s been working on a rehab, he did a little bit of the work and then just stopped doing the work then started getting hard to reach. So I took it upon me to send somebody out to see what’s going on with my property and come to find out there is this guy that says he’s been working on my property but I never hired him or contracted him. He says the he was hired through Kevin Holmes(my original gc) which I made an payout to already but ended up running away with my money and apparently he’s been also living in my property for the last 90 days!! I don’t want to do business with this guy at all, very unprofessional and I want him out my house! Tried calling the cops but seems like nobody wants to help me! On top of that he’s threatening to put a lien on my property because supposedly he’s the real guy that did a little bit of work on my property, but I never made a direct contract with this guy. ANY INSIGHT IS MUCH APPRECIATED HELP!!!

Where? Also NEVER pay a GC upfront, ever.

In Ohio and I wasn’t the one playing he ran off with my money.

Where in OH, ? So this guy broke in and is squatting. Now you have to evict as this A @#@HOLE has rights. Again, never pay anyone upfront you do not know. I hope many others see this and understand why I post 100 X a week, never do business without a team in place that has a long-term mutual benefit.
where in oh
2 Reply
Ivan Aldana
OP
Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes
3y
Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Hey everybody! I need your guys help and some insight on this BIG problem I got. I hired this contractor that I found on the bigger pockets website actually and I ended up getting burned by him. He’s been working on a rehab, he did a little bit of the work and then just stopped doing the work then started getting hard to reach. So I took it upon me to send somebody out to see what’s going on with my property and come to find out there is this guy that says he’s been working on my property but I never hired him or contracted him. He says the he was hired through Kevin Holmes(my original gc) which I made an payout to already but ended up running away with my money and apparently he’s been also living in my property for the last 90 days!! I don’t want to do business with this guy at all, very unprofessional and I want him out my house! Tried calling the cops but seems like nobody wants to help me! On top of that he’s threatening to put a lien on my property because supposedly he’s the real guy that did a little bit of work on my property, but I never made a direct contract with this guy. ANY INSIGHT IS MUCH APPRECIATED HELP!!!

Where? Also NEVER pay a GC upfront, ever.

In Ohio and I wasn’t the one playing he ran off with my money.

WHere in OH, ? Again never pay anyone upfront you do not know.
Cleveland
0 Reply
Bob S.
Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Hey everybody! I need your guys help and some insight on this BIG problem I got. I hired this contractor that I found on the bigger pockets website actually and I ended up getting burned by him. He’s been working on a rehab, he did a little bit of the work and then just stopped doing the work then started getting hard to reach. So I took it upon me to send somebody out to see what’s going on with my property and come to find out there is this guy that says he’s been working on my property but I never hired him or contracted him. He says the he was hired through Kevin Holmes(my original gc) which I made an payout to already but ended up running away with my money and apparently he’s been also living in my property for the last 90 days!! I don’t want to do business with this guy at all, very unprofessional and I want him out my house! Tried calling the cops but seems like nobody wants to help me! On top of that he’s threatening to put a lien on my property because supposedly he’s the real guy that did a little bit of work on my property, but I never made a direct contract with this guy. ANY INSIGHT IS MUCH APPRECIATED HELP!!!

Where? Also NEVER pay a GC upfront, ever.

In Ohio and I wasn’t the one playing he ran off with my money.

WHere in OH, ? Again never pay anyone upfront you do not know.
Cleveland

Ok I can 100% help you, connect with me,

EVEN more to my point. I tell everyone NEVER do business in Cleveland without a team, this is what can happen.

3 Reply
Caroline Gerardo
Lender · Washington DC · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
Allowing ninety days to pass without clear oversight is a disaster.

Where do you live? Get yourself and your doberman moved into the house tonight. Dude is not a tenant or a contractor he's a scammer squatter. Post name of squatter.

Kevin Holmes is not licensed in Ohio there is one in Florida whose license expired/ deceased. He looks to be 70 years old on Linkedin. Did you ever meet this guy or check his references?
https://www.myfloridalicense.c...
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ke...
The link to dude on Bigger Pockets is removed so probably was a scam jerk who used the name. How did you pay him? (check was cashed where?)
2 Reply
Ivan Aldana
OP
Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes
3y
Quote from @Caroline Gerardo:

Well allowing ninety days to pass without clear oversight is a disaster.

Where do you live? Get yourself and your doberman moved into the house tonight. Dude is not a tenant or a contractor he's a scammer squatter.
Kevin Holmes is not licensed in Ohio there is one in Florida whose license expired/ deceased. He looks to be 70 years old on Linkedin. Did you ever meet this guy or check his references?
Yeah he I checked it says he is licensed In Ohio. And I was checking in on the property but nobody ever said he was living there.
1 Reply
Caroline Gerardo
Lender · Washington DC · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
"Kevin" is not licensed in Ohio, never was. see my links above. How much was dollar amount (interstate fraud US code section 1343...
and interstate wire fraud call the FBI in Ohio

(216) 522-1400 FBI Field Office

and @Scott Trench of BP probably has more information on other people defrauded. You probably won't get your money back but get them interested in catching Kevin Bad Guy. Local police don't have resources. If you can find the guy then get an attorney or you will be wasting your money.
Buyer beware just because someone is on a website does not mean they are real or honest. It is your job to ferret them out.
2 Reply
Ivan Aldana
OP
Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes
3y
Quote from @Caroline Gerardo:

"Kevin" is not licensed in Ohio, never was. see my links above. How much was dollar amount (interstate fraud US code section 1343...
and interstate wire fraud call the FBI in Ohio

(216) 522-1400 FBI Field Office

and @Scott Trench of BP probably has more information on other people defrauded. You probably won't get your money back but get them interested in catching Kevin Bad Guy. Local police don't have resources. If you can find the guy then get an attorney or you will be wasting your money.
Buyer beware just because someone is on a website does not mean they are real or honest. It is your job to ferret them out.
His company name is Columbus Roofing and more
0 Reply
Caroline Gerardo
Lender · Washington DC · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
Columbus Roofing and More never had a contractor license.
here is where you check https://elicense4.com.ohio.gov...
The LLC was registered but he has no license and company none.
Kevin Adams Holmes 6/6/1978 It looks like he is copying the name of guy in Florida
Business Address on 1659 duxberry is SFR $140000 value also used for several other LLC companies a dumpster co a auto dealer etc... https://ohio-corp.com/co/k-m-a... The house on Duxberry was flipped 10/19 sold for $84500 appears vacant. Go there.
2 Reply
Ivan Aldana
OP
Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes
3y
Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Hey everybody! I need your guys help and some insight on this BIG problem I got. I hired this contractor that I found on the bigger pockets website actually and I ended up getting burned by him. He’s been working on a rehab, he did a little bit of the work and then just stopped doing the work then started getting hard to reach. So I took it upon me to send somebody out to see what’s going on with my property and come to find out there is this guy that says he’s been working on my property but I never hired him or contracted him. He says the he was hired through Kevin Holmes(my original gc) which I made an payout to already but ended up running away with my money and apparently he’s been also living in my property for the last 90 days!! I don’t want to do business with this guy at all, very unprofessional and I want him out my house! Tried calling the cops but seems like nobody wants to help me! On top of that he’s threatening to put a lien on my property because supposedly he’s the real guy that did a little bit of work on my property, but I never made a direct contract with this guy. ANY INSIGHT IS MUCH APPRECIATED HELP!!!

Where? Also NEVER pay a GC upfront, ever.

In Ohio and I wasn’t the one playing he ran off with my money.

WHere in OH, ? Again never pay anyone upfront you do not know.
Cleveland

Ok I can 100% help you, connect with me,

EVEN more to my point. I tell everyone NEVER do business in Cleveland without a team, this is what can happen.

Holy smokes. This guy Bob is the real deal! He really helped me out with this situation and cannot thank him enough!🙏🏽🙏🏽 thank you so much Bob!!!!

2 Reply
Bob S.
Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Ivan Aldana:

Hey everybody! I need your guys help and some insight on this BIG problem I got. I hired this contractor that I found on the bigger pockets website actually and I ended up getting burned by him. He’s been working on a rehab, he did a little bit of the work and then just stopped doing the work then started getting hard to reach. So I took it upon me to send somebody out to see what’s going on with my property and come to find out there is this guy that says he’s been working on my property but I never hired him or contracted him. He says the he was hired through Kevin Holmes(my original gc) which I made an payout to already but ended up running away with my money and apparently he’s been also living in my property for the last 90 days!! I don’t want to do business with this guy at all, very unprofessional and I want him out my house! Tried calling the cops but seems like nobody wants to help me! On top of that he’s threatening to put a lien on my property because supposedly he’s the real guy that did a little bit of work on my property, but I never made a direct contract with this guy. ANY INSIGHT IS MUCH APPRECIATED HELP!!!

Where? Also NEVER pay a GC upfront, ever.

In Ohio and I wasn’t the one playing he ran off with my money.

WHere in OH, ? Again never pay anyone upfront you do not know.
Cleveland

Ok I can 100% help you, connect with me,

EVEN more to my point. I tell everyone NEVER do business in Cleveland without a team, this is what can happen.

Holy smokes. This guy Bob is the real deal! He really helped me out with this situation and cannot thank him enough!🙏🏽🙏🏽 thank you so much Bob!!!!

I am glad I was able help you,
Anything else feel free to reach out

3 Reply
Ivan Aldana
OP
Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes
3y
Quote from @Caroline Gerardo:

Columbus Roofing and More never had a contractor license.
here is where you check https://elicense4.com.ohio.gov...
The LLC was registered but he has no license and company none.
Kevin Adams Holmes 6/6/1978 It looks like he is copying the name of guy in Florida
Business Address on 1659 duxberry is SFR $140000 value also used for several other LLC companies a dumpster co a auto dealer etc... https://ohio-corp.com/co/k-m-a... The house on Duxberry was flipped 10/19 sold for $84500 appears vacant. Go there.
Really? That’s weird. Because I see his name on this website.

0 Reply
Scott TrenchPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 6k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Caroline Gerardo:

"Kevin" is not licensed in Ohio, never was. see my links above. How much was dollar amount (interstate fraud US code section 1343...
and interstate wire fraud call the FBI in Ohio

(216) 522-1400 FBI Field Office

and @Scott Trench of BP probably has more information on other people defrauded. You probably won't get your money back but get them interested in catching Kevin Bad Guy. Local police don't have resources. If you can find the guy then get an attorney or you will be wasting your money.
Buyer beware just because someone is on a website does not mean they are real or honest. It is your job to ferret them out.

Right now, we have no marketplace for, and no way of verifying the license and background of the individuals who claim to be contractors on our site.

Was this an individual who you connected with on these forums? If so, then I agree with @Caroline Gerardo that you need to be careful. Anyone can sign up for a free membership on BiggerPockets. It would be similar to someone you connect with on Craigslist, Reddit, Facebook, or Twitter and you should do due diligence on professionals you meet with care.
We DO check to make sure that we have licensed agents and lenders on the "Find an Agent" and "Find a Lender" sections of the site, but we have not done the same research or built out our marketplaces for contractors, CPAs/Tax Pros, lawyers, property managers, turnkey providers, wholesalers, and so on. We DO plan to offer these marketplaces in future years, and hope to meaningfully cut down on situations like this (although you can never fully avoid them).

I agree with the other advice here. You may have been robbed, and are now being threatened. It's time to hire a lawyer and get some advice specific to your situation. I think this is going to be a very tough summer for you, and you may either have to pay for work to get done twice, or do a lot of sweat equity yourself.

I am so sorry this happened to you. @Noah Bacon is aware of this. Please let us know the individual who you are alleging has robbed you, and if they have nothing to say in their defense, we can remove their account and block anyone from their IP address from trying to rejoin the website.
Podcast Guest on Show #223
2 Reply
Todd Jones
Member since 2023 · 243 posts · 199 votes
3y
I had a similar experience where a contractor stated they were licensed but they wanted to avoid pulling permits as it took too long. I said do it anyway. The day before the job, the building dept said “they never pulled a permit and their license expired years ago”. The contractor then said “Yea, getting a license is expensive. That’s why I don’t do it.” We went back/forth on his lack of logic and I just ended the call.
To your situation, unless they filled out a adverse possession claim, beautified the home, or lived there 21 years, then squatter’s rights don’t apply.

- As everyone said, get a lawyer ASAP for a civil and possibly criminal trial. Get every ounce of paperwork, emails, voicemails, phone call times, etc available regarding this.
- File a detailed, written police report. If you already done so, it may not seem to do anything but it provides the foundation that you didn’t want this person at the home and helps removes doubt.
- Who pays the utilities? If you do, shut them off. Ask an attorney first as they may have a strategy.
- Do you have any signed documentation indicating a relationship with this guy directly? If not, tell the lawyer this.
- if they say they have a lien or if they threaten you, just ignore them. They’re trying to scare you so they can stay rent free. Don’t ask for the lien documentation. Let your attorney advise you. When dealing with legal matters, the biggest mistake folks make is not listening to the attorney.
It sounds like you’re out of town. Impulsively, I would go to the home and confront them but don’t. It will make matters worse. Again, the attorney will advise.
Don’t worry. This will get resolved and turn into a lesson learn of paying contractors up front. Hey, you don’t know then but now you do.
You will win this!
1 Reply
Eliott Elias
Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2021 · 9k+ posts · 5k+ votes
3y
Fire him and move on. Don't spend any time trying to get back at a sleazy contractor, learn from your mistake and vet them better next time.
1 Reply
Ivan Aldana
OP
Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes
3y
Quote from @Todd Jones:

I had a similar experience where a contractor stated they were licensed but they wanted to avoid pulling permits as it took too long. I said do it anyway. The day before the job, the building dept said “they never pulled a permit and their license expired years ago”. The contractor then said “Yea, getting a license is expensive. That’s why I don’t do it.” We went back/forth on his lack of logic and I just ended the call.
To your situation, unless they filled out a adverse possession claim, beautified the home, or lived there 21 years, then squatter’s rights don’t apply.

- As everyone said, get a lawyer ASAP for a civil and possibly criminal trial. Get every ounce of paperwork, emails, voicemails, phone call times, etc available regarding this.
- File a detailed, written police report. If you already done so, it may not seem to do anything but it provides the foundation that you didn’t want this person at the home and helps removes doubt.
- Who pays the utilities? If you do, shut them off. Ask an attorney first as they may have a strategy.
- Do you have any signed documentation indicating a relationship with this guy directly? If not, tell the lawyer this.
- if they say they have a lien or if they threaten you, just ignore them. They’re trying to scare you so they can stay rent free. Don’t ask for the lien documentation. Let your attorney advise you. When dealing with legal matters, the biggest mistake folks make is not listening to the attorney.
It sounds like you’re out of town. Impulsively, I would go to the home and confront them but don’t. It will make matters worse. Again, the attorney will advise.
Don’t worry. This will get resolved and turn into a lesson learn of paying contractors up front. Hey, you don’t know then but now you do.
You will win this!

Thank you so much Todd. That was extremely helpful! Thanks to @Bob S. he miraculously found a way to contact my original contractor Kevin Holmes and we talked for a while. Come to find out it appears the sub contractor he hired (the squatter) is the main ********ter in all this mess. And caused concerning issues between Kevin and I. Therefore, when I spoke with Kevin he was able to provide me with receipts of the materials he ordered in which I paid him to do. The squatter never installed nor picked up the material so I was under the impression that nothing was being done after I wired him money because nothing has been installed. The squatter has been the biggest problem with threats and demands of money from me. I have since blocked him from contacting me. Kevin and I agreed the squatter needs to be removed off my property and fired. I have decided to keep Kevin on the job to finish after he explained his side and proved to me that my money didn’t go to waste. I will keep you guys updated on his completion. I know it’s a long reach to still keep him on the job after all I’ve been through with his people but understand I’m on a tight schedule and have a ticking dead line to complete. Thank you to all the bigger pockets community you guys have been so helpful in such a stressful situation and I am forever grateful to have a community like this!

4 Reply
Ivan Aldana
OP
Member since 2021 · 101 posts · 55 votes
3y
Quote from @Scott Trench:

Quote from @Caroline Gerardo:

"Kevin" is not licensed in Ohio, never was. see my links above. How much was dollar amount (interstate fraud US code section 1343...
and interstate wire fraud call the FBI in Ohio

(216) 522-1400 FBI Field Office

and @Scott Trench of BP probably has more information on other people defrauded. You probably won't get your money back but get them interested in catching Kevin Bad Guy. Local police don't have resources. If you can find the guy then get an attorney or you will be wasting your money.
Buyer beware just because someone is on a website does not mean they are real or honest. It is your job to ferret them out.

Right now, we have no marketplace for, and no way of verifying the license and background of the individuals who claim to be contractors on our site.

Was this an individual who you connected with on these forums? If so, then I agree with @Caroline Gerardo that you need to be careful. Anyone can sign up for a free membership on BiggerPockets. It would be similar to someone you connect with on Craigslist, Reddit, Facebook, or Twitter and you should do due diligence on professionals you meet with care.
We DO check to make sure that we have licensed agents and lenders on the "Find an Agent" and "Find a Lender" sections of the site, but we have not done the same research or built out our marketplaces for contractors, CPAs/Tax Pros, lawyers, property managers, turnkey providers, wholesalers, and so on. We DO plan to offer these marketplaces in future years, and hope to meaningfully cut down on situations like this (although you can never fully avoid them).

I agree with the other advice here. You may have been robbed, and are now being threatened. It's time to hire a lawyer and get some advice specific to your situation. I think this is going to be a very tough summer for you, and you may either have to pay for work to get done twice, or do a lot of sweat equity yourself.

I am so sorry this happened to you. @Noah Bacon is aware of this. Please let us know the individual who you are alleging has robbed you, and if they have nothing to say in their defense, we can remove their account and block anyone from their IP address from trying to rejoin the website.
Thank you so much Scott for that insight and for your concern. That was very helpful! Thanks to @Bob Stevens he miraculously found a way to contact my original contractor Kevin Holmes and we talked for a while. Come to find out it appears the sub contractor he hired (the squatter) is the main fraud in all this mess. And caused concerning issues between Kevin and I. Therefore, when I spoke with Kevin he was able to provide me with receipts of the materials he ordered in which I paid him to do and receipts that he paid his guys. The squatter never installed nor picked up the material so I was under the impression that nothing was being done after I wired him money because nothing has been installed. The squatter has been the biggest problem with threats and demands of money from me. I have since blocked him from contacting me, because theres no reason I should be in contact with him anyway. Kevin and I agreed the squatter needs to be removed off my property and fired. I have decided to keep Kevin on the job to finish after he explained his side and proved to me that my money didn’t go to waste. I will keep you guys updated on his completion. I know it’s a long reach to still keep him on the job after all I’ve been through with his people but understand I’m on a tight schedule and have a ticking dead line to complete. I understand this is the industry we’re in and sometimes things like this could happen. Thank you to all the bigger pockets community you guys have been so helpful in such a stressful situation and I am forever grateful to have a community like this!
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