Gary Carter Took a Deposit for a Sign, Begged for the Remainder, and Ran Like a Little Boy with a Nickel Vancouver, Washington

Gary Carter offered his services as a temporary-window-sign painter, which I took him up on, no problem.  He then offered to make a permanent sign for the business.  He took the $150 deposit, then came back and begged for more, offering to do the sign cheaper if I paid him ahead of time. 

I was just so dumb that I trusted another human being!  I paid him the remainder.  He seemed actually likable enough and professional, citing other local business he had worked for, and showing a portfolio of his work, so I trusted him.  Needless to say, weeks have gone by and he has not gotten in touch.