Close Ad

Veteran Loses Thousands of Dollars to Scammers - Then a Stranger Finishes the $17,000 Job for Free
Stranger Completes a $17,000 Job for Free After Disabled Veteran Was Scammed
Uplifting News

Veteran Loses Thousands of Dollars to Scammers - Then a Stranger Finishes the $17,000 Job for Free

When a disabled veteran lost thousands of dollars to a contractor scam, one man stepped up.

What started out as a tragic situation that showed the darker sides of humanity quickly became one that proved even in the darkest of times, people can bring you hope.

How a Contractor Scammed a Disabled Veteran

person using a pencil and a measurement tape
Photo by Los Muertos Crew

John Frank, a disabled veteran from Denver, Colorado needed help landscaping.


Frank was wheelchair-bound, so he needed assistance when it came to arduous tasks. That’s why he hired a landscape contractor to help him redesign his lawn.

Frank hired the man and signed a contract stating that this landscaper would add rocks to his yard so it would be easier to manage.

Frank paid the contractor upfront, $4,650. However, the man never fixed the yard like he promised.

Instead of installing rocks, the contractor Frank hired disappeared.

“I feel that I got ripped off. He took advantage of a disabled person. Obviously, I'm in a wheelchair. I can't really do the yard,” Frank said.

Frank knew for sure that he was scammed after contacting FOX31 Denver’s team, The Problem Solvers.

Why a Complete Stranger Stepped in to Help a Veteran

Frank forwarded the group the contract, and after studying it, they found inconsistencies that pointed to a scam.

Frank tried contacting the contractor who used the name Anthony Martinez, but the phone line was disconnected and all of his emails went unanswered. The Problem Solvers searched for the business address on the contract and discovered that it didn’t exist.

FOX31 Denver aired the story, which is how one kind man found out about Frank’s misfortunes.

Hector Aldrete, the owner of Neighborhood Lawn Care, was moved by the report and knew he had to help.

“[The story] came on, I was like, 'Oh no, we're going to do something about it.' It was more about his story, it just touched my heart, and I felt like doing it. It was nothing about the money,” Aldrete said.

How One Stranger Proved the Importance of Lending a Hand

two people holding hands
Photo by Pixabay

Aldrete and his team got to work immediately, removing tree stumps and adding 50 tons of rocks and bricks. The entire procedure amounted to $17,000, but Aldrete didn’t charge Frank a dime. He even told the veteran that he would be available in the future if Frank ever needed more help.

Frank as overwhelmed with gratitude.

“We need to hear the positive, make people know there's hope, and that good things can happen,” Frank said.

The story of Aldrete’s compassion gained traction, and viewers flocked to the comment section to share their amazement.

“That's a man who hasn't had much kindness his way, his tears say it all. Out of chaos comes this beautiful ending,” wrote one person.

Thanks to a stranger’s kindness, a story of heartbreak turned into one of triumph. Aldrete saw a person in need, a person he could help, and he stepped up.

KEEP READING:

Arby’s Employees Give 98-Year-Old Veteran Free Food For Life

Hot Stories

Why Jennifer Hudson Forgave Her Mother's Killer -- Life Stories By Goalcast

At the peak of her career, Jennifer Hudson faced a horrific family tragedy. Hudson's mother and brother were brutally attacked in their family home, and her seven-year-old nephew was kidnapped. What followed was a heart-wrenching manhunt to rescue her nephew and seek justice against the man who took her family. Hudson speaks from the heart in this video on what happened to her family and how she was able to move forward.

Celebrities
ideas and thinking

bright ideas

The 21st century has brought great new opportunities for entrepreneurs. The digital revolution has completely changed the way we live -- and the landscape for aspiring CEOs and innovators.

powerful-business-woman

Keep ReadingShow less
Entrepreneurs
Lots of Dollar Bills

Save what you have to double what you make.

Everyone talks about money -- some because they don’t have enough, some wish to make more, and some are simply obsessed with it. It has always been this way, but nowadays, making money seems to be the main goal on everyone’s 'to do' list.

We’ve never had so many options when it comes to products, technology and services, and salesmen constantly try to convince us that we need them all to live a happier and easier life. But do we?

Keep ReadingShow less
Authors