Imagine trusting a contractor to improve your home, only to find out you've been swindled out of thousands of dollars. That's the harsh reality for several homeowners in our area. Victims want action.
It’s been four long years of struggle for Dan Endres, a homeowner from Hazelwood. The I-Team sat down with him when the nightmare started, after he hired a contractor, believing his false claims of being a former police chief. That trust ended up costing him thousands.
"He took $7,784.50 and never returned," Endres said.
“Do you think you'll ever get that money back?” asked the I-Team's Paula Vasan.
“I think it's highly doubtful," said Endres. “And the guy committed fraud. And it's just not right.”
He’s talking about contractor Mike Shaw, who pleaded guilty to fraud and stealing from clients. He said the court ordered him to repay clients through the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. But Endres has seen only about 10 percent of what he's owed. The I-Team spoke with others who have gotten far less.
Victims include Endres, another homeowner in Town and Country, and Holly Blattner in Ballwin.
Blattner said Mike Shaw took $4,300 from her in April 2020. She received about $200 from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office in late 2023.
“Something has got to be done, that these people just can't take money from people and run off. It's very harmful," said Endres.
5 On Your Side reached out to the Missouri attorney general’s office to find out if Shaw is still working as a contractor but did not receive a response.
Endres and other victims tell the I-Team Shaw changed his business name and moved locations to evade accountability. They said it’s how he’s been able to deceive and cover his tracks.
"He's hard to find. So it's a tough deal," Endres said.
Endres, a 71-year-old grandfather, works part-time as a baseball umpire to make ends meet. He said he wants more time with his grandchildren, not a legal battle.
“We should be able to garnish his wages or something from his house," he said. “It just can't keep happening.”
The I-Team tried getting in touch with the contractor directly but did not hear back. Meanwhile, Endres said he's not giving up. He's pushing for more stringent regulations to prevent others from falling victim.
If you have been impacted by contractor payment problems, reach out to the Missouri Attorney General’s office at 1-800-392-8222 to share concerns.
“Unscrupulous individuals posing as legitimate contractors give professional builders and remodelers a bad name," said a spokesperson with the National Association of Home Builders. "When looking to hire a builder or remodeler, consumers want to know that they are going into business with a reputable company. NAHB has resources available for consumers who are looking to hire a builder or remodeler."
The Better Business Bureau has warned customers to watch out for these red flags when hiring a home improvement contractor:
"Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, handshake deals without a contract, and on-site inspections. Not all 'storm chasers' are con artists, but enough are that you should be cautious any time a home contractor contacts you first…especially after a natural disaster,” the Better Business Bureau advises.
It added that asking for references and taking the time to do some research should not scare away a legitimate contractor.