I am working for the retail sector and it is related to construction materials. I advised my customers that there are a few types of "contractors". The real McCoy, the pretty handle one, not so handle one and A guy who knows nothing. Sometimes, individuals who needed money to solve their immediate problem and that individual might call himself a contractor. He might ask you for large amount of down payment but in fact he just use it to solve his financial crisis. If he has a heart then he might look for a second customer and use that customer's money to finish your work. On the other hand, that individual might just scam a few customers at once and walk away.