Contractor Fraud Exposed | How to Protect Yourself Before You Hire a Contractor

Is contractor fraud costing South Florida homeowners thousands of dollars every year? In this eye-opening episode of Gotham Investigations, host Jeffrey Giordano sits down with Alex Cornel, owner of Build Pro Construction, to discuss one of the construction industry's most important issues—contractor fraud and how consumers can protect themselves before signing a contract.

From unlicensed contractors and abandoned projects to hidden liens, fraudulent insurance claims, and hurricane-related scams, Alex shares his firsthand experience in the construction industry and provides practical advice every homeowner should know before hiring a contractor. Whether you're planning a renovation, repairing storm damage, or building a new home, this episode offers valuable information to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

🎙️ Episode Highlights

⏱️ 1:18 – Paying a contractor who never returns
⏱️ 1:30 – Contractors working under someone else's license
⏱️ 1:51 – How to properly vet a contractor
⏱️ 2:25 – Why many complaints never appear on DBPR records
⏱️ 4:00 – Why contractor bonds matter
⏱️ 4:10 – Structuring milestone payments in your contract
⏱️ 4:47 – Protecting yourself with lien releases
⏱️ 6:58 – Workers' compensation insurance requirements
⏱️ 8:23 – What an experienced contractor looks for before hiring another contractor
⏱️ 9:03 – Understanding the purpose of a contractor's bond
⏱️ 9:44 – Hurricane recovery scams and emergency contractors
⏱️ 12:18 – Water mitigation fraud and insurance abuse
⏱️ 13:18 – A major red flag: No contractor license number on the contract
⏱️ 13:47 – Why you should be listed as an additional insured
⏱️ 14:27 – How hidden liens can impact the sale of your property

📞 Featured Guest

Alex Cornel
Owner | Build Pro Construction

☎️ (305) 397-9372
📧 info@buildprofl.com

📢 Connect with Gotham Investigations

Jeffrey Giordano
📍 250 NW 23rd Street, Suite 305
Miami, Florida 33127

📞 (305) 710-5222
 🌐 https://www.gothaminvestigations.us
📧 jgiordano@gpssecurity.us

🎙️ Listen & Subscribe

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations
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📢 Connect with Jeffrey Giordano
📍 250 NW 23 Street Unit 305
Miami, Florida 33127
📞 305-710-5222

🌐 https://www.gothaminvestigations.us

📧 jgiordano@gpssecurity.us

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations

🎙️ Podcast: https://gothaminvestigations.buzzsprout.com

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hnowDxfioSOrl6Q5VaTW4

🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano/id1669557812

📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3eab5494-b497-43bd-9df5-013ed481e432