A contractor took the money and walked off: what to do
Gather the contract, receipts and messages, and photograph the work as it is. Send a written notice asking them to finish or refund by a deadline. Check their license and file a complaint with your state licensing board; some states have recovery funds. Ask for lien waivers, and use a credit card dispute or small claims court to recover money. Report it to police if they took a deposit and never started.
Your checklist
- Gather the contract, receipts and messages
- Photograph the work as it is
- Send a written notice with a deadline
- File a licensing board complaint
- Watch for liens
- Card dispute or small claims
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
Document everything
Collect the contract, receipts, bank or card records, and every text and email. Photograph what’s done, what isn’t, and any damage, with dates.
Give them a chance, in writing
Send a short, factual notice asking them to finish or refund by a specific date. Send it so you can prove it arrived.
Use the licensing board
Look up their license on your state’s contractor licensing site and file a complaint. Some states have recovery funds that repay homeowners harmed by licensed contractors.
Protect your home
Unpaid workers or suppliers may be able to put a lien on your house. Ask for lien waivers when you pay, and get advice if a lien is filed.
Get money back
- Card dispute: if you paid by credit card, ask your card company soon.
- Small claims court: for amounts under your state’s limit.
- Police: if they took a deposit and never started, it may be fraud.
Before hiring someone new
Get written bids and make sure the new contractor documents what they found.
Official sources, and where to look
- FTC consumer advice: hiring a contractorconsumer.ftc.gov
- USA.gov: consumer complaintsusa.gov
[your state] contractor license lookup[your state] contractor recovery fund
Common questions
How much should a contractor take up front?
Some states cap deposits for home improvement work. A modest deposit, with the rest paid as work is finished, protects you. More ›
Can I hire someone else to finish?
Usually yes, after you’ve documented everything and given written notice. Keep records of what the new work costs. More ›
Can I sue a contractor for unfinished work?
Yes. For amounts under your state’s limit, small claims court is often simplest. Bring the contract, payments, photos and your written notice. More ›
What is a mechanic’s lien?
A legal claim on your property by someone who worked on it or supplied materials and wasn’t paid. It can block a sale or refinance until it’s resolved. More ›
How do I check if a contractor is licensed?
Search your state’s contractor licensing board website for their name or license number. Many also show complaints and discipline. More ›
Is it a crime if a contractor takes a deposit and never shows up?
It can be, depending on the facts and your state. Report it to police and your state attorney general, especially if others were affected. More ›
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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.