According to a recent story in The Coloradoan (article has been removed), a Fort Collins man has been accused of scamming residents of Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley by agreeing to perform landscaping and other services, collecting payment, and never following through with completing the work.
“According to the victims, [the contractor] is alleged to have either collected cash in advance from homeowners for services not delivered or to have hired subcontractors and failed to pay for services rendered,” [Fort Collins Police Spokeswoman Rita] Davis said.
These stories really twist my stomach, because every one of the poor people he stole from could have avoided their situation by following a few simple steps everyone should use when hiring a residential service, house cleaning or otherwise.
- Always agree on a price and scope of work before the work has begun.
- Ask for a list of references- and check them.
- If possible, ask a friend who they use as their service professionals.
- Always ask for proof of insurance and bonding.