MARS Remodeling Joe Trevino Clever confidence scam work started at minimal cost then left when materials paid for Houston, Texas

Joe Trevino advertises his service on Craiglsist. I contacted him to come out and give an estimate for basic paint and carpet work on March 9th 2013. He came out on the 9th to measure home. On the 10th he returned with a contact, I signed the contract on March 10th 2013 and paid a $1900 deposit.

The work began on March 11th. The work started with painting and carpet tear out. The painters were there for 2 days, (less than a few hours each day). The paint work done was very sub standard. At March 14th Joe and Marcella told us they needed to buy more material and carpet. I wrote them a check for $1300 for material, with the balance of the contract due at completion. At this time no more signifigant work was done on the home. 

Joe was giving me stories of weather delaying the arrival of the materials, crew problems etc.. This continued through April 1st at which time I confronted him (phone) that I am being scammed. He continued to deny this, and continued to tell me that work would resume and carpet would arrive. On April 3rd I visited the business address Marcella gave me (9898 Bissonnett Dr, Houston) and 6700 Chimney Rock. Neither of these addresses were valid for Joe and Marcella or MARS Remodeling.

I then contacted the Harris County Sherrif's office and filed a complaint. I took the officers advice and offered Joe and Marcella more money to complete the home. They met me again at the Shell station at the corner of 249 and Beltway (NW Side) At which time I took his picture, documented the VIN of his 2004 Lincoln Navigator, and hand delivered the breach of contract letter I drafted that morning.

On the 4th I met the Harris County Sherrifs Office again and showed them the VIN and Picture.  Since April 4th I have also figured out that Joe and Marcella are scamming continually on craigslist and houston superads.  They continue to post ads linked to their phone number (281) 826-2775.  They also have other businesses called Gulfcoast Reposession (http://gulfcoastrepo.com/), Texas Paranormal University (http://www.houstonparanormaluniversity.com/), Ghost Hunters of Houston (http://ghosthuntersofhouston.webs.com/)