03/11/2026
As contractors, we can fall victim to scams from homeowners or property managers too.
For the first time, I have had a client refuse to pay me for work I completed. She initially refused to provide a deposit before the job started, but we agreed to move forward in order to gain her trust.
On the first day, the work went well and she expressed that she was satisfied with the progress. However, on the second day, as I was about to begin the next phase of the project, she became upset about how the work would continue. She insisted that the job be done her way and claimed the process I was using was not the way she wants to do it.
I explained that I have been doing this type of work for over 12 years using the same professional methods without any issues. Unfortunately, she refused to listen and spoke to me in a very rude and disrespectful manner. She told me that I had to do the work exactly as she said or she would hire someone else.
At that point, I felt it was best to leave the job site due to the unprofessional environment. I requested payment for the work that had already been completed, but she refused, stating that because the entire project was not finished she would not pay me.
I left the property without further argument, but she continued to insult my professionalism and even threatened to report me and my business.
As a result, I am left with loss of my time, Labor, and operating expenses despite having already completed work in good faith.
