Action Lawn Care

Paul Smith left flyers around the neighborhood for lawn service. After contacting him via phone he provided an estimate and wanted payment up front for lawn service including cutting and spraying for weeds. No services were ever provided and once the check was cashed he dropped off the grid and wouldn't return calls or texts. A little (after the fact) research indicates this guy changes his business name/address every few months and has been scamming people for a long time. Negative BBB file exists as well.

I got estimates to lay sod in the front & back yard; drainage work, and redo flower beds in back yard --- Paul Smith and his wife showed up to give estimate -- seemed very nice people. I asked for recent references and got two -- one was positive and the other had some reservations -- concerned that sod that he laid was not doing well. After checking references, checked the BBB --- saw a number of red flags that I chose not to use him. There was a lawsuit listed in favor of the plaintiff as well as complaints that he didn't respond to, i.e., guarantees, etc. He kept following up with me after I received his references. I finally told him I had checked the BBB and wasn't going to use him and why. I almost fell into the trap of "giving a person a chance" but glad I didn't especially after reading this on Angie's List.

I hired Paul Smith, who is the owner of these two (and may be more) landscaping businesses to re-do a flowerbed at my house. At first he was very punctual and courteous. I selected him over several others because he was very good about calling back, giving your advice, etc. It all changed after he got the deposit. First of all, this was my first ever time to hire someone to do it and I did not know anything about selecting a contractor. So, when he asked for a 50% deposit (!) I gave it to him. He never showed up to do the work!! After I started to call him, he finally returned my call several days later acting as if nothing happened. I asked for my money back and at first he started to give me some baloney about him needing to contact his lawyer to draw up a dissolution papers. Promised to give the deposit after I sign those. Never got those papers and I frankly don't believe that he intended to give them to me.Finally we agreed that I get part of my money back and he kept pushing the date back. Never got any mooney back from him. After I found out that local landscaping buisnesses do not trust him as he scammed them in the past. They are dealing with him on a cash only bases. THis should tell you something! He is a known scammer in town. He does about half of the work that he promises, and he is dealing with small sums: a few hundrred here a there. THis is just not worth to many people to make a big fuss about. This is how he is able to do this for many years and stil be around.My advice: DO NOT TRUST HIM. Stay away. Remember the name: PAUL SMITH and never give him any money upfront!!!