A Florida mother was shocked to return home from work and find her entire driveway had vanished, leaving her with nothing but dirt. Suspicions of a contractor scam are now under investigation.
Tammy Coleman, a single mother of two, was horrified when she approached her home in Tampa Bay, Florida, and realized her driveway was gone. "I was just in disbelief. I thought I was losing my mind," she exclaimed. "It's such a weird feeling to come home and part of your property is just missing."
The theft of the driveway, which was only discovered when Coleman drove up to her house, left the family with a gaping hole in front of their home and a sense of violation. "It just doesn't feel like home right now," she said. "It feels like something is missing."
Single Mom's Driveway Stolen in Suspected Contractor Scam Leaves Her with 'Dirt'
Coleman believes she may have fallen victim to a scam involving contractors. She had recently hired a company to do some work on her home, including replacing the driveway, and she suspects they may have returned to remove the old driveway without her knowledge.
"I had a bad feeling about the company from the beginning," Coleman admitted. "They were very unprofessional, and they kept making excuses for why the work wasn't getting done."
Single Mom's Driveway Stolen in Suspected Contractor Scam Leaves Her with 'Dirt'
She contacted the contractor, who initially denied any wrongdoing but later admitted to removing the driveway without her permission. He claimed it was a mistake and offered to replace it, but Coleman refused.
"I don't want them back on my property," she said. "I don't trust them."
Single Mom's Driveway Stolen in Suspected Contractor Scam Leaves Her with 'Dirt'
Coleman reported the incident to the police, who are investigating the matter. She has also filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
The family is now facing the cost of replacing the driveway, which is estimated to be around $4,000. Coleman is also worried about the safety of her children, who often play in the driveway.
Single Mom's Driveway Stolen in Suspected Contractor Scam Leaves Her with 'Dirt'
"I'm a single mom, and I work hard to provide for my kids," she said. "I shouldn't have to worry about coming home to find my property stolen."
The incident has left Coleman feeling vulnerable and betrayed. "I just feel like I can't trust anyone anymore," she said. "It's really shaken my faith in humanity."
Coleman is urging others to be cautious when hiring contractors. "Don't just hire the cheapest company," she advised. "Do your research and make sure they're reputable."
She is also calling on law enforcement officials to crack down on contractor scams. "This can't keep happening to people," she said. "It's not right."
