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Don't get scammed by unlicensed contractors

Posted at 3:39 PM, Feb 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-03 22:36:21-05
The state calls them their "most wanted" unlicensed contractors. Two of them have been on the list longer than the rest: Danny James Joles and Frank Michael Leo.
 
The state says both men take money, don't complete the work and move on.
 
We did some investigating and found one of them has moved to a different state. Authorities in Wisconsin say Danny Joles has been active there.
 
Last month, the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office arrested Joles for theft by fraud.
 
In one case, they say he quoted a woman $1,000 and charged her $5,000. They are now investigating whether there were similar issues in six other Wisconsin counties.
 
So, if you're a snowbird, take a good look at the list here and avoid the same people back home. Most of the men were accused of taking money for work they didn't do.
 
It's a good reminder when you hire a contractor, check licenses, online reputations and only pay on progress giving little upfront and holding as much as possible until completion.
 
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