Complaint Review: Mike Farkas - Ottawa Ontario

POLICE REPORT

Accused: Mike Farkas, (((REDACTED))), Nepean, ON (((REDACTED)));(((REDACTED))) Nepean, ON (((REDACTED))); tel: 6139817319, 6136628594; email: [email protected], [email protected].

Financial loss: $6,300.

Other loss: time and money lost in procuring additional materials (wood stove, flooring, furniture, etc.) multiple trips to the land (4:30 hours one way), and lost summer camping with family.

Account of events: I posted an ad on Kijiji looking for contractors to build a barn-style 10’x24’ livable shed. Mike Farkas responded in March 2017. We switched to communicating over email. Exchanged information on the requirements for the shed.

May 7^th, met Mike at the land (Otter Lake, QC; GPS coordinates to the entrance to the land 45°49'36.7"N 76°28'07.6"W ~OR~ 45.826869, -76.468789) in the afternoon, showed him the job site, clarified the requirements. Mike took the information and promised quote.

May 9^th, Mike sent quote (Estimate #326) through Joist app promising completion within 10 days.

Mike wanted 50% deposit or amount that I would be OK with and then pay in increments.

May 14^th, Mike sent email claiming he has ordered all material for the job and that they would be ready for pick up tomorrow. Promises updates on the day by day basis. In a separate email that same day, Mike claims the cost of materials just under $6000, requesting the deposit towards material. Plans to go on job site the next day in the morning. Promises receipt of deposit.

May 14^th, I sent $2000 via Interac Money Transfer. Mike accepted same day.

May 15^th-16^th, trail cameras on the land have pictured Mike Farkas and his younger associate, and the rear passenger side of a white truck.

May 16^th, local Otter Lake municipal inspector visits the land and encounters evidence of Mike’s presence and smoldering fire pit.

May 18^th, Mike sends an email putting everything on hold until he receives more money towards material. Claims to have hired help and rented a generator for the job.

May 19^th, I sent another $2000 via Interac Money Transfer. Mike accepted same day.

May 19^th, Mike sends an email confirming the receipt of funds and states that the could not make it up the road as it was not driveable due to the amount of rain the other day. Wants to come again the following Monday to finish the job.

MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CALL AND EMAIL MIKE – NO RESPONSE, BOTH PHONES SEEM TO GO TO SAME VOICEMAIL, EMAILS ARE LEFT WITHOUT RESPONSE.

May 29^th, Mike sends an email explaining why he was silent – working on another project in Val des Bois where the cell signal was poor. Requests the materials to be covered in full, this time quoting $6300. Confirms that he has $4000 “in trust” from me. Now he has the ability to pay for the material and will have them delivered to the property gate. Plans on being at the site on Wednesday morning at 7am rain or shine. Has Wednesday – Sunday available to complete. Plans to complete that weekend. Asks to bring wood stove and flooring.

May 30^th, I sent another $2300 via Interac Money Transfer. Mike accepted same day.

June 3^rd, I visit the land to inspect work and to bring wood stove and flooring. No sign of Mike or his work.

June 3^rd, Visited (((REDACTED)))., Nepean, ON(((REDACTED))) address. House #65 does not exist, next house is #67. House #63 is old rundown dilapidated house with a work shed in the back yard, clothing, boots, gas canister, barrels, hoses, electrical cables, plastic covers scattered all over. The occupant of #63 is a tenant (junkie looking) who claims has been staying there for 2.5 years. Have heard of Mike Farkas since people come visit the address looking for Mike saying he owes them money. Also receives letters from Better Business Bureau addressed to Mike. Two cars are parked at the driveway (1) silver Toyota Matrix, ON license plate (((REDACTED))); (2) old golden Lexus (ES300?), ON license plate (((REDACTED))) with expired March 2016 license plate sticker. The occupant of #63 claims both cars are his.

Checked the neighbouring house #67 to ask about Mike Farkas and who lives next door. Occupants of #67 do not know the name of the neighbour and never heard of Mike Farkas before.

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Mike Farkas' real information:

Subject: Mike Farkas aka Michael Farkas

Date Of Birth: July 21, (((REDACTED))) - Almost 39 years of age.

Address: (((REDACTED))) Cornwall Ontario, (((REDACTED)))

Drivers License: (((REDACTED)))

Occupation: Self-Employed - General Contractor - Yard Designs

Possible Relative: L. Farkas - (((REDACTED))), Cornwall Ontario(((REDACTED)))- Tel: (((REDACTED))).