Scam Type
Home Improvement Scam
Business Name Used
Regency Masonry Construction
Date Reported
September 05, 2023
Postal Code
None
Total Dollars Lost
$ 17000
Scam Description
Steve came to my door saying he observed my shingles were in poor shape. We negotiated verbally. I said I could have money to replace the roof in two weeks. He agreed, but then a work crew came and immediately removed all the old shingles. Steven then asked for $9000 for materials, which I gave him in cash. The next day he came and asked for $15000. I reminded him it would take me a couple of weeks to get money like that. So Steve had tarps put over the shingle-less roof. In two weeks I sent him the remainder of what I owed ($12000) to a Bank of America account. He then started texting me saying he could not come to finish the job this week, how about next week. After two weeks I talked to Seattle Police North Precinct and they said I was probably the victim of a “constructions scam” – begin a job, collect the full payment, then never return. I texted Steve and he agreed I could have another company come to finish the job and that he would refund me $17000. He did not show up on the agreed on date. His company’s website is unreachable, its phone no long accepts calls, and its email address bounces messages. I did hire another contractor, who completed the work very nicely at a reasonable price. Essentially, I had to pay twice to get my new roof, which is a big burden on my retirement income.
