I did all of the wrong things and got ripped off by a contractor in the Houston Texas area. I trusted the word of a relative and my BIGGEST MISTAKE WAS I DID NOT GET IT IN WRITING.

Now my question is how is the best way to warn others about him. Texas does not require a license for general contractors and I have no legal recourse that I can take. The best I can do is try to warn others and I need to know the best way to get the word out.

I have entered data online and now I found out that he closed out that company name and is operating under a different company name to disassociate himself from the former company name. He is quite a CON MAN.

{Identifying info removed} This new company name is closely named to a professional business. I believe he is trying to associated with a reputable business to keep attention away from his bad past.

I need to know how to get the word out to others and hopefully spare them the conning ways of {name removed}

Start by telling your story (short version) to Gemstar, 21707 Inverness Forest Blvd, Houston, TX 77073 (281) 821-1195. They are also on Facebook.

Sue them in Small Claims, even if your losses are over the max. You may lose without a written contract, but it should be worth the fee. Of course they may not pay even if you win.

Put the word out around town. That's all you can do. I am flabbergasted that contractors don't have to be licensed in Texas. If he did any wiring or plumbing, you CAN report him to the state licensing div.

First, I removed the info identifying the contractor. This is for your protection as well, since it could get you sued for libel. We have only your word that there was a problem.

As noted you can contact the company he is trying to associate with and let them handle the similar name. You can contact the Better Business Bureau and lodge a complaint. You can also use other services like Angie's List.

Be VERY careful what you say, however. Do not categorize this person as a con man or similar. Keep everything factual. State what you contracted him to do and what he did or didn't do and what problems there were with what he did. Say nothing you can't prove.