Universal Lawn Care Michael Hamilton Contracted for yard work, paid materials, dissappeared Allen, Texas

I first met Michael Hamilton via a Craiglist ad. He mowed my lawn for $30 and did a very good job. He was supposed to come weekly to begin lawn service and provided a business card and 2 contact phone numbers.

I did do a google search and found his company listed on Angie's List, but I did not pay the $12 to see his reviews there; I regret that now!

He came by one time to get measurements for a plot I wanted a weed barrier and mulch laid in. He then returned with a quote broken down into materials and labor. I agreed to the price and have a signed piece of paper including his signature and the date - July 22, 2011. He agreed to come out that week and do the job. I paid up front for the materials (big, big mistake)

He was a no-show. I was contacted by his "wife" on my home voicemail stating his grandmother had fallen ill and he would contact me. I expressed my regrets and and asked to be contacted when he could resume the weekly maintenance and also when he would install the landscaping.

I heard nothing. Now when I call there is no answer, no reply to any messages I have left. He posted on Craigslist soliciting "maid work" for his wife, moving help, or lawn care by himself AFTER the day I was called regarding his grandmother. I have obviously been scammed.

I am looking into legal avenues to pursue but am going everywhere possible to post this in the hopes that he is unable to take advantage of anyone else. I do not know if the name he gave me actually exists; Google streetview is not very reliable but appears to show an empty lot; and the #'s I have are both cell phones, possibly prepaid - one registered in McKinney and the other in Galveston.

He also posted a sob story on Craigslist about someone stealing his equipment, one I did not see in another section of the site. When he showed at my house he had all the necessary equipment.