If you hired Joe Tennis (also known as Joey Stergo) or a business you
later learned is associated with him, and you are now having serious problems with the project,
there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself, seek resolution, and, if appropriate,
report your experience to consumer-protection authorities.
1. Pause further payments and secure your property
If work is incomplete, appears abandoned, or is not meeting agreed expectations, consider pausing
any further payments until you have received qualified advice. If you shared gate codes, lockbox
combinations, or other access details with the contractor or crew and you have concerns about
security, change those codes or locks.
2. Collect and back up all documentation
Gather everything in one place: contracts, estimates, change orders, text messages, emails
(including any addresses used to communicate with you, such as
joetennis21@gmail.com, voicemails, screenshots of ads or listings, business cards,
checks, and payment receipts. Take clear photos and videos of the work site from multiple angles.
Create a simple timeline with dates showing when you agreed to the work, what you paid and when,
what work was performed, and when problems or communication issues started.
3. Send a clear written request for resolution
If you feel safe doing so, send a short written message (by email and/or certified mail)
describing the issues, what you are asking for (such as completion of work, repairs, or a
partial or full refund), and a reasonable deadline for response. Keep the tone factual and calm.
Save a copy of what you send, along with any read receipts, delivery confirmations, or postal
tracking information.
4. Contact your bank, card issuer, or payment platform
If you paid by credit card, debit card, bank transfer, check, or through an online payment app,
contact your bank or the platform and ask about disputing the charge (for example, for services
not provided or not as described). Many institutions have strict time limits for opening
disputes or chargebacks, so it is important to act quickly once you realize there is a problem.
5. File complaints with consumer-protection agencies and law enforcement
You can help consumer-protection agencies, regulators, and law enforcement see the full picture
by filing complaints using all business names, phone numbers, and email
addresses that were used with you. Depending on your location and what happened, options can
include:
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Your local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you believe
there was intentional fraud, theft, or other criminal conduct
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Your state Attorney General’s consumer-protection division
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Local or state contractor licensing or registration boards (if applicable)
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Your city or county building department or code-enforcement office,
especially if you suspect unpermitted or unsafe work
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Your state’s department of insurance or insurance-fraud unit if the situation
involves insurance, such as being encouraged to fabricate a claim; for example, Ohio residents
can report suspected contractor-related insurance fraud to the
Ohio Department of Insurance Fraud & Enforcement at 800-686-1527
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The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
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Any platform where you found or hired the business (such as Yelp, HomeAdvisor, Porch, Angi,
Craigslist, or other listing sites)
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If you believe the conduct may involve internet-based fraud, wire fraud, or a broader
multi-state scheme, you can also submit a report to the
FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov,
and/or contact your local FBI field office to ask how best to document your
complaint
When reporting, be prepared to provide copies of your contract, photos of the work, and your
timeline. Ask how to obtain an incident, complaint, or report number, as this may be useful for
your records or for other agencies.
6. Consider small-claims court or speaking with an attorney
For smaller dollar amounts, small-claims court may be an option in many states without hiring a
lawyer. For larger losses or more complex situations, consider speaking with a local attorney
about potential contract, warranty, or consumer-protection claims, and whether any additional
referral to law enforcement beyond your initial report is appropriate in your circumstances. An
attorney licensed in your state can give advice tailored to your specific facts.
7. Share your experience to inform others
Fact-based, well-documented reviews and reports can help other homeowners research
Joe Tennis, and related business names before
making decisions. Focus on verifiable details: what was promised, what you paid, what work was
actually performed, what concerns you raised, how those concerns were handled, and what the
final outcome was (if any). Providing supporting documentation when possible makes your account
more useful to others.
In addition to posting reviews, you may also consider contacting local news outlets,
especially stations or newspapers that have “consumer advocate,” “on your side,” or
“investigative” segments focused on contractor and home-improvement issues. Reporters in those
units often look for patterns across multiple complaints and may be able to shine a public
spotlight on recurring problems. When reaching out, include your timeline, key documents, and
any report or case numbers you received from law-enforcement or regulatory agencies.
Important notice: This website is not a law firm and does not provide legal
advice. Laws, deadlines, and procedures vary by state and can change over time. If you have
suffered financial loss, property damage, or believe a crime may have occurred, consult a
licensed attorney or contact law enforcement or appropriate regulatory agencies in your area
for guidance specific to your situation.