GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The North Carolina Attorney General's Office is looking into Ronnie Griffin.
2 Wants To Know has shown you his face over and over again. We started reporting on him in 2006.
He has a criminal history of doing faulty work or not doing the work at all. Just recently, Attorney General Roy Cooper and a judge barred Griffin and Crystal Spear from doing business in our state. To make that ban, the AG had to hear lots and lots of stories.
Like from Charles Lackey. 2 Wants To Know talked to him last year while he waited for Griffin and Spear to fix his freezer.
He texted Spear and she responded saying she'd be there later in the day but she never showed.
"I texted her again and again and again, no reply." Lackey said.
The Attorney General's office says it's the same story for 37 consumers.
So as of now, the state is banning them from taking money from any consumers. They cannot advertise, offer or sign any contracts. They also can't destroy, hide or transfer any records or assets. Roy Cooper said Griffin and Spear have refused to refund victims.
The ban is one step. but reality is Griffin has continued to do work even after convictions and being placed on the most wanted list by area sheriff's.
The two are using the name Piedmont Appliance Repair on several websites like Craigslist.
2 Wants To Know what you should do before you hire a contractor and after, if you're not satisfied with the job.
First you'll want to get at least 3 bids. If a quote seems rather low compared to the others, that's a red flag. Some contractors might offer you a free estimate to sway you away from checking references.
Don't fall for that. Check them out.
Ask friends and neighbors who have hired the person before. Look at the company's BBB rating. Or, at the very least, Google the contractor's name.
Never pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less. Never pay in cash because it can't be traced. Don't make a final payment until you're satisfied with the job.
Before the work even begins, create a written contract. Make sure the contractor includes the price, the dates the job will start and end, details of the project including your expectations and who will be working the job. Both of you should sign that agreement beforehand.
What can you do after you hired a contractor and they don't finish the work but you paid them? You can always get in touch with 2 Wants To Know Call For Action. We work with you and the contractor to get the work done.
The state recommends taking the case to court but it's a process that can be expensive with no guarantees.
Once you go to court though you can apply for the Homeowners Recovery Fund.
The fund is money state officials set aside for when a homeowner incurs a loss due to a contractor's bad work or incomplete job. The money comes from a percentage of all building permits issued in the state.