Exposing Construction Scams
Uncovering the truth behind wage theft, unsafe conditions, and exploitation in construction
Investigation
Our comprehensive investigation reveals systematic exploitation across major construction sites
Key Findings
- $2.3M in unpaid wages stolen from 200+ workers
- Systematic safety violations endangering workers daily
- Fake companies used to avoid liability
47
Sites Investigated
200+
Workers Affected
Safety Violations
Documented evidence of dangerous working conditions and ignored safety protocols across multiple job sites.
Financial Fraud
Detailed analysis of wage theft schemes and fraudulent payroll practices targeting vulnerable workers.
Scam Methods
How construction companies systematically exploit workers
Ghost Companies
Creating shell companies to avoid liability and skip out on wages owed.
- • Fake business registrations
- • Disappear after projects
- • No legal recourse for workers
Safety Extortion
Forcing workers to pay for basic safety equipment or face termination.
- • Charge for mandatory PPE
- • Unsafe working conditions
- • Threaten job loss
Wage Theft
Complex schemes to withhold overtime, bonuses, and final paychecks.
- • Underreport hours worked
- • Delay payments indefinitely
- • Dock pay for minor issues
Red Flags to Watch For
Late payments, missing pay stubs, unsafe conditions, pressure to work off-the-clock, and threats of deportation or termination.
Victims
Real stories from workers who faced exploitation
Carlos M.
"Worked 60 hours a week for 3 months. Never saw a penny. Company vanished overnight."
Lost wages: $8,400
Project: Downtown high-rise
Maria R.
"They made us buy our own safety gear. When I got injured, they said I was never employed there."
Medical bills: 5,000
Company: ABC Builders LLC
James T.
"Worked through lunch breaks. When payday came, they deducted 'training fees' from my check."
Stolen wages: $3,200
Duration: 6 weeks
Evidence
Documented proof of systematic fraud and exploitation
Safety Violations
Photos showing missing guardrails, exposed wiring, and lack of fall protection
47 documented cases
Payroll Fraud
Altered timesheets, fake deductions, and missing overtime payments
200+ affected workers
Shell Companies
Business registration documents showing fake addresses and dissolved entities
12 fake companiesDownload Evidence
Access our complete investigation files including witness statements, photos, and legal documents.
Evidence Summary
Protection
How to protect yourself from construction scams
Before You Start
- Research company on BBB and state websites
- Get everything in writing including pay rate
- Take photos of your time cards daily
Red Flags
- • Company won't provide written contract
- • Asks you to work before paperwork is complete
- • Charges for safety equipment
- • Pays in cash without deductions
- • Uses different company name on checks
If You're a Victim
- • Document everything immediately
- • Report to Department of Labor
- • Contact legal aid organizations
- • Join class action lawsuits
- • File wage theft claims
Quick Action Checklist
Document
Take photos, save texts, record hours worked
Report
File complaints with labor department
Connect
Join support groups and legal resources
Report
Share your experience and help stop construction scams
What We'll Do
- • Investigate your claim
- • Connect you with legal help
- • Add to our evidence database
- • Keep your identity confidential
Report by phone: 1-800-SCAM-HELP
Email: report@scamwatch.org
Resources
Essential tools and support for construction workers
Legal Aid
Free legal consultation for wage theft cases
Support Groups
Connect with other affected workers
Government Resources
Official channels for reporting violations