KARE 11 Investigates: Contractor takes money, doesn’t build

A local news team based in Minneapolis and St. Paul investigated a questionable fencing company a few months back. KARE 11 had received several complaints aimed at Alpine Fencing Company for neglecting to perform contracted work and ignoring any attempts of customers to contact them. The news team decided to go undercover to find out for themselves.

Reporter A.J. Lagoe lured the owner of the company, Chad Thompson, to a home in St. Paul by requesting a quote. Lagoe preceded to ask questions that would catch the shady contractor’s scam on the hidden cameras. When questioned on his credentials, Thompson claimed his company was both licensed and insured. KARE 11 wasn’t fooled. Their research had already shown that his license to work in St. Paul had been revoked in 2008. In fact, it was revoked due to failure to provide proof of insurance.

Thompson didn’t stop there and continued to spin a web of lies about Alpine Fencing. He boldly claimed his company was accredited by the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and had received awards that earned them a place in the Business Hall of Fame. Again, KARE 11 disproved his statement when they found no evidence of the supposed awards, and Alpine Fencing was not listed as an accredited company on the BBB’s website. When Lagoe finally revealed himself as a reporter, he gave Thompson multiple chances to retract his claim. He did not, though the BBB logo on his website did disappear afterwards.

Thanks to KARE 11, consumers of Minneapolis have one less shady company to deal with in the fencing industry. The BBB lists ten tips to consider when hiring a contractor, although, the lesson here is clear. Don’t trust just anyone.

Security Fence and Construction is a proud, family owned business that would love to show you what a trustworthy fencing professional is like. Contact us for more information.