Scam Type
Home Improvement Scam
Business Name Used
Home Improvement Scam
Date Reported
September 24, 2024
Postal Code
18411
Total Dollars Lost
$ 1350
Scam Description
Mark Wilcox was recommended to me by a friend, (also scammed), to do some household upgrades. I paid him $2225 upfront. I had to go to Philadelphia to take my son for a medical procedure at U of P in Philadelphia and so I was in a hurry and did not follow my usual procedure with a new contractor. When I returned home, there was an open paint can with the brush and roller on the floor in my upper hall. He had done a terrible job, painted over a door hanger, left spots unpainted, etc. I told him I would pay him $900 and had him sign a payback contract for $1350 (which has a witness signature). He gave me a hard luck story and I gave him from March 6 to April 30 to pay me back. He never paid me. I tracked him down twice, took his license plate number, and left notes but I never saw him again. I spoke to the sheriff of Montrose, Lance Benedict, and he told me Mark Wilcox had scammed the Catholic church for $6000 and was in jail at the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility. That is the only address he has, he will be there for another week. Initially, I spoke with the DA’s office, the police, and my local magistrate. None of the latter could help due to his lack of address. He has scammed many and while I doubt I will get my money back I do not wish for anyone else to be swindled by him.
