Villegas Hardscape Took Deposit, Didn't Do The Work, and Didn't Return The Deposit Round Lake Beach Illinois

Saturday, 10/26/24:  Daniel Villegas was supposed to start asphalt paving work on my parents’ driveway at 7am, and I told him I’d be there while they were doing the work, but I texted him that I was going to arrive about 8:30. At around 8:15am, I pulled up to my parents’ house and no work was going on, but Daniel was there.  He said he’s going to have to leave this project for the next one due to the reason that he couldn’t get the material for today.  He said he could do it the following week, but needed a $1,000 down payment. I gave him a $1,000 deposit check, and he gave me a receipt.

Wednesday, 10/30/24, at 10:26am: I called Daniel to check in about the driveway project, and that’s when he informed me that he’s too busy to do the job.  I told him to just rip up the check. At 1:23pm: I texted Daniel, “I see you already cashed the $1,000 check. Please refund the money.”  Daniel texted, “yes of course tomorrow afternoon I will return them to you”  I texted, “Thank you.”

Friday, 11/1/24, at 2:47pm: I texted Daniel, “Daniel, please refund the $1,000 I paid you for a deposit on my parents’ driveway.” “I need to pay a deposit to another contractor.”  I got no response.

Monday, 11/4/24, at 9:25am: I called Daniel, and he said he would drop off a check at 8pm at my parents’ house.  I told him I’d call my mom to let her know that he’s going to hand it to her.  At 8:16pm, I texted Daniel, “Are you almost at my parents’ house?” I got no response.

Tuesday, 11/5/24, 8:49am: I texted Daniel, “Hello?”  He responded, “I can call you in 40 minutes, thank you”  I texted a thumbs up emoji.  At 9:06am, I called Daniel – no answer.  At 11:26am, I called Daniel – no answer.  At 11::27am, I texted Daniel, “When are you refunding the money, Daniel?  At 11:54am, I called Daniel – no answer. At 4:35pm, I texted Daniel, “What’s going on?”  “You didn’t call when you said you were gonna call.”

Wednesday, 11/6/24, 9:35am, I called Daniel – no response. 

Thursday, 11/7/24: 12:23pm: I called Daniel – no answer. At 12:28pm, I text Daniel, “Are you refunding the $1,000 deposit I gave you for my parents’ driveway (that you suddenly became too busy to do) or what?”  You said you would refund the money, and now you’re ghosting me.”  “I really can’t believe you scammed me that way.  I mean, really?”