Devil in a Clown Mask

seacapt · 12-09-2009, 09:55 AM

No this isn't about religion-I Hope!
It's unfortunate especially at this time of year how many con artists will take advantage of the goodwill of others. In Sept. I finnished a large job for an aged celebrity and his foul mouthed wife. During the weeks that I worked on their boat they were both overly friendly and generous. They offered me meals and small sums of money to help deffer the cost of materials. They assured me that they would pay in full at completion of the job in cash and bragged about their wealth. They wouldn't allow me to work on rainy days and in general were just too nice. The work was done well and professionally and they once again loved their boat.When I presented them with the bill which was quite honestly a bargain for the amount of work done , They gave me another partial payment and said they would have the balance in Nov. I had allready given them the discount they requested for a cash payment in full at completion of the job. Well here we are 2 weeks before Christmas and I hadn't heard from them since Oct. so I gave them a call to see where my Nov payment was. Guess what the wife had to say. " I have allready paid you all you are going to get" . There is no problem with the work but she decided she was not going to pay me the balance due @ $3,000.00. She is laughing at me and I have been conned!
So to all the honest folks I say if someone is too nice or too friendly or offers too good of a deal or seems too willing- Beware Brother Beware!
Anyone else have an I've just been conned story?

Gooshin · 12-09-2009, 10:02 AM

This is why super nice people freak me out.

VF-19 · 12-09-2009, 10:43 AM

If you've signed a written contract with them, I'd take them to court. You did your job, and now they owe you the cash.

Luckly, I've never been conned, but then again, I'm only 28, and been living on my own for a little over 3 years now. I may have a story for you in about 5-10 years, so here's hoping pentaxforums will still be around!

However, I have ALMOST been conned once. Somebody was selling their ME super with a M 35 mm f2 for $65 on craigslist or kijiji (I can't remember). Being the LBA I am, I decided to meet the guy at the local mall. Upon getting there, and examining the items, I discovered the ME wouldn't switch modes (no biggie, I was more interested in the lens), and the aperature lever on the lens wouldn't move at all. I called the whole thing off. He then emailed me a few days later claiming that everything was working. I didn't bite.

Gooshin · 12-09-2009, 10:50 AM

a "cash job" denotes no contract...

i would just go in the middle of the night and put a hole in their boat, **** em.

Blue · 12-09-2009, 10:53 AM

Originally posted by Gooshin

a "cash job" denotes no contract...

i would just go in the middle of the night and put a hole in their boat, **** em.

It if was in the water, that could be considered piracy.

Igilligan · 12-09-2009, 10:55 AM

So sorry to hear this story... It is a shame that people are such a wipes.

And that having to take them to court falls back on you.

I am not lawyer, but I watch them tv...
But if you have proof or your work and any kind of signed agreement, I would slap a lien on that boat so fast it would make their cheatin' heads spin.

Sounds like the Wife is the minister of finance... I would contact the 'celebrity' Hubby and let him know his Good name is worth more than the 3000 dollars wifey is trying to cheat you out of.

Parallax · 12-09-2009, 11:04 AM

I would suggest a variation of Gooshin's idea.
Tell them you just got in a new leak prevention coating and as soon as you get the rest of what they owe you you'll apply for free.

seacapt · 12-09-2009, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by Igilligan

Sounds like the Wife is the minister of finance... I would contact the 'celebrity' Hubby and let him know his Good name is worth more than the 3000 dollars wifey is trying to cheat you out of.

Gus , this was my first thought but he is somewhat reclusive and there are gaurd dogs (litterally and figuratively) between me and him. The guy really is/was famous , saw him on tv talk shows when I was a kid.
As far as a lien , it's complicated because the boat is not federally documented and our state laws require the boat to be on my property to lock it with a mechanic's lien. I am investigating options so I can't say a whole lot more yet.

seacapt · 12-09-2009, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by Gooshin

a "cash job" denotes no contract...

i would just go in the middle of the night and put a hole in their boat, **** em.

20 years ago that's what I would have done but it get's me nothing and they will collect insurance . I'm way past my vengeful years, just want whats mine!
Even though it was a "cash job" it would have been too big to hide. No intentions of cheating the tax man. I've been told that the gov. watches small businesses like mine closer than they watch the big corps.

Parallax · 12-09-2009, 11:36 AM

Originally posted by seacapt

Gus , this was my first thought but he is somewhat reclusive and there are gaurd dogs (litterally and figuratively) between me and him. The guy really is/was famous , saw him on tv talk shows when I was a kid.
As far as a lien , it's complicated because the boat is not federally documented and our state laws require the boat to be on my property to lock it with a mechanic's lien. I am investigating options so I can't say a whole lot more yet.

The way I read THIS (§ 44A‑3. When lien arises and terminates.), it only has to be in your possession. See if you can come up with some excuse to get their permission to get back on the boat, then hand them another bill.

seacapt · 12-09-2009, 11:39 AM

Thanks for the encouragement and support! I really am hoping that others will post similar stories so readers can learn from our unfortunate mistakes. For now I'm off to the accountants office with all my paperwork.

MRRiley · 12-09-2009, 12:43 PM

Small Claims Court!

Ratmagiclady · 12-09-2009, 04:15 PM

And people chide *me* for being capitalistically-naive.

The people who think the world *really* owes them a living, are sitting on a little pile and think it's great noblesse oblige to pay you a quarter what the work is worth. When dealing with the rich, get it up front.

Seriously, as a young kid shooing weddings, I'd end up working out cut rate prices for people nickel-and-diming me claiming they 'couldn't afford' this or that, and then they'd tell me the gig's at the fricking Park Plaza.

Blue · 12-09-2009, 05:33 PM

Originally posted by MRRiley

Small Claims Court!

This would be a very viable option in Florida for amounts under $5K. It also goes through an arbitrator before going in front of the judge.

seacapt · 12-09-2009, 06:03 PM

Originally posted by Ratmagiclady

And people chide *me* for being capitalistically-naive.

The people who think the world *really* owes them a living, are sitting on a little pile and think it's great noblesse oblige to pay you a quarter what the work is worth. When dealing with the rich, get it up front.

Seriously, as a young kid shooing weddings, I'd end up working out cut rate prices for people nickel-and-diming me claiming they 'couldn't afford' this or that, and then they'd tell me the gig's at the fricking Park Plaza.

Rml , please not a debate on this but I gotta disagree in part. Over the years I've worked for and gotten to know quite a few of the rich and famous. Drank beer with Major Leauge Baseball players including a Hall of Famer , taken rock stars fishing and partied in a penthouse at Trump Towers on the 4th of July. About 1/4 of my clients have alot more real money than the gizmos that are trying to stiff me. There are two types of people with money. The people with real money usually worked for it .They will negotiate but fairly and they will keep their word. Then there are the neuveau riche and "penny millionaires" these folks can be very annoying but that doesn't make them dirtbags. Dirtbags come in all sizes and shapes from all economic backgrounds. Give rich folks the benifit of the doubt , most of them are really OK.

12-09-2009, 09:55 AM	#1
seacapt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Carolina , USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,271	Devil in a Clown Mask No this isn't about religion-*I Hope! It's unfortunate especially at this time of year how many con artists will take advantage of the goodwill of others. In Sept. I finnished a large job for an aged celebrity and his foul mouthed wife. During the weeks that I worked on their boat they were both overly friendly and generous. They offered me meals and small sums of money to help deffer the cost of materials. They assured me that they would pay in full at completion of the job in cash and bragged about their wealth. They wouldn't allow me to work on rainy days and in general were just too nice.* The work was done well and professionally and they once again loved their boat.When I presented them with the bill which was quite honestly a bargain for the amount of work done , They gave me another partial payment and said they would have the balance in Nov. I had allready given them the discount they requested for a cash payment in full at completion of the job. Well here we are 2 weeks before Christmas and I hadn't heard from them since Oct. so I gave them a call to see where my Nov payment was. Guess what the wife had to say. " I have allready paid you all you are going to get" . There is no problem with the work but she decided she was not going to pay me the balance due @ $3,000.00. She is laughing at me and I have been conned! So to all the honest folks I say if someone is too nice or too friendly or offers too good of a deal or seems too willing- Beware Brother Beware! Anyone else have an I've just been conned story?

12-09-2009, 10:55 AM	#6
Igilligan Guest	Captain... So sorry to hear this story... It is a shame that people are such a wipes. And that having to take them to court falls back on you. I am not lawyer, but I watch them tv... But if you have proof or your work and any kind of signed agreement, I would slap a lien on that boat so fast it would make their cheatin' heads spin. Sounds like the Wife is the minister of finance... I would contact the 'celebrity' Hubby and let him know his Good name is worth more than the 3000 dollars wifey is trying to cheat you out of.

12-09-2009, 11:36 AM	#10
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,198	Originally posted by seacapt Gus , this was my first thought but he is somewhat reclusive and there are gaurd dogs (litterally and figuratively) between me and him. The guy really is/was famous , saw him on tv talk shows when I was a kid. As far as a lien , it's complicated because the boat is not federally documented and our state laws require the boat to be on my property to lock it with a mechanic's lien. I am investigating options so I can't say a whole lot more yet. The way I read THIS (§ 44A‑3. When lien arises and terminates.), it only has to be in your possession. See if you can come up with some excuse to get their permission to get back on the boat, then hand them another bill. Last edited by Parallax; 12-09-2009 at 11:42 AM.

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12-09-2009, 10:02 AM	#2
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	This is why super nice people freak me out.

12-09-2009, 10:43 AM	#3
VF-19 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ottawa Posts: 364	If you've signed a written contract with them, I'd take them to court. You did your job, and now they owe you the cash. Luckly, I've never been conned, but then again, I'm only 28, and been living on my own for a little over 3 years now. I may have a story for you in about 5-10 years, so here's hoping pentaxforums will still be around! However, I have ALMOST been conned once. Somebody was selling their ME super with a M 35 mm f2 for $65 on craigslist or kijiji (I can't remember). Being the LBA I am, I decided to meet the guy at the local mall. Upon getting there, and examining the items, I discovered the ME wouldn't switch modes (no biggie, I was more interested in the lens), and the aperature lever on the lens wouldn't move at all. I called the whole thing off. He then emailed me a few days later claiming that everything was working. I didn't bite.

12-09-2009, 10:50 AM	#4
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	a "cash job" denotes no contract... i would just go in the middle of the night and put a hole in their boat, **** em.

12-09-2009, 10:53 AM	#5
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Gooshin a "cash job" denotes no contract... i would just go in the middle of the night and put a hole in their boat, **** em. It if was in the water, that could be considered piracy.

12-09-2009, 11:04 AM	#7
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,198	I would suggest a variation of Gooshin's idea. Tell them you just got in a new leak prevention coating and as soon as you get the rest of what they owe you you'll apply for free.

12-09-2009, 11:28 AM	#8
seacapt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Carolina , USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,271 Original Poster	Originally posted by Igilligan Sounds like the Wife is the minister of finance... I would contact the 'celebrity' Hubby and let him know his Good name is worth more than the 3000 dollars wifey is trying to cheat you out of. Gus , this was my first thought but he is somewhat reclusive and there are gaurd dogs (litterally and figuratively) between me and him. The guy really is/was famous , saw him on tv talk shows when I was a kid. As far as a lien , it's complicated because the boat is not federally documented and our state laws require the boat to be on my property to lock it with a mechanic's lien. I am investigating options so I can't say a whole lot more yet.

12-09-2009, 11:35 AM	#9
seacapt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Carolina , USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,271 Original Poster	Originally posted by Gooshin a "cash job" denotes no contract... i would just go in the middle of the night and put a hole in their boat, **** em. 20 years ago that's what I would have done but it get's me nothing and they will collect insurance . I'm way past my vengeful years, just want whats mine! Even though it was a "cash job" it would have been too big to hide. No intentions of cheating the tax man. I've been told that the gov. watches small businesses like mine closer than they watch the big corps.

12-09-2009, 11:39 AM	#11
seacapt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Carolina , USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,271 Original Poster	Thanks for the encouragement and support! I really am hoping that others will post similar stories so readers can learn from our unfortunate mistakes. For now I'm off to the accountants office with all my paperwork.

12-09-2009, 12:43 PM	#12
MRRiley Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sterling, VA, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,275	Small Claims Court!

12-09-2009, 04:15 PM	#13
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	And people chide me for being capitalistically-naive. The people who think the world really owes them a living, are sitting on a little pile and think it's great noblesse oblige to pay you a quarter what the work is worth. When dealing with the rich, get it up front. Seriously, as a young kid shooing weddings, I'd end up working out cut rate prices for people nickel-and-diming me claiming they 'couldn't afford' this or that, and then they'd tell me the gig's at the fricking Park Plaza.

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12-09-2009, 05:33 PM	#14
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by MRRiley Small Claims Court! This would be a very viable option in Florida for amounts under $5K. It also goes through an arbitrator before going in front of the judge.

12-09-2009, 06:03 PM	#15
seacapt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Carolina , USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,271 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ratmagiclady And people chide me for being capitalistically-naive. The people who think the world really owes them a living, are sitting on a little pile and think it's great noblesse oblige to pay you a quarter what the work is worth. When dealing with the rich, get it up front. Seriously, as a young kid shooing weddings, I'd end up working out cut rate prices for people nickel-and-diming me claiming they 'couldn't afford' this or that, and then they'd tell me the gig's at the fricking Park Plaza. Rml , please not a debate on this but I gotta disagree in part. Over the years I've worked for and gotten to know quite a few of the rich and famous. Drank beer with Major Leauge Baseball players including a Hall of Famer , taken rock stars fishing and partied in a penthouse at Trump Towers on the 4th of July. About 1/4 of my clients have alot more real money than the gizmos that are trying to stiff me. There are two types of people with money. The people with real money usually worked for it .They will negotiate but fairly and they will keep their word. Then there are the neuveau riche and "penny millionaires" these folks can be very annoying but that doesn't make them dirtbags. Dirtbags come in all sizes and shapes from all economic backgrounds. Give rich folks the benifit of the doubt , most of them are really OK.