Today, Explained A scam cost me $31k and a pool
Nov 10, 2023
Devin Friedman, a writer with a long-held dream of owning a pool, shares his cautionary tale of falling victim to a pool contractor scam that cost him over $31,000. He discusses the emotional toll of being misled by a quirky contractor and highlights the challenges of navigating digital payments like Zelle, where the lack of consumer protections complicates recovery. Through his story, Devin sheds light on the alarming ease of being scammed in today's digital age and the need for greater accountability in financial transactions.
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The Pool Dream
- Devin Friedman wanted a pool like his friends, Bobby and Eric, who always had nice renovated homes.
- They recommended a contractor, "Gary Kruglitz," who offered a less expensive pool installation.
Meeting Gary
- Devin hired Gary, described as a man seemingly "frozen in amber in 1968."
- Gary was busy due to the pandemic renovation boom, causing delays and anxiety for Devin.
The Zelle Payments
- Gary requested a large deposit via Zelle, citing pandemic-related banking issues.
- Devin sent over $31,000 in multiple Zelle transactions after receiving a receipt from Gary.