In Surprise, Arizona, a local landscaping service has been deceiving homeowners by collecting payments for services that are never delivered. Residents like David Nedelman and Diane Van Boxtel have fallen victim to this fraudulent operation. After years of living in his home, David decided to refresh his yard’s landscaping rock. He contacted a company named Rock Spread through an advertisement, only to find himself cheated out of $700. Similarly, Diane lost $1,100 when the same individual failed to deliver on promised services. This pattern of deceit has left many residents feeling betrayed and financially strained.

The story begins with David Nedelman, who had lived in his Surprise home for two decades. Over time, the landscaping rock in his yard began to deteriorate due to weather conditions. Seeking a solution, he came across an advertisement for Rock Spread in his community newspaper. The company claimed it could deliver and spread new rock to rejuvenate his yard. Impressed by the owner John Frias's professionalism and knowledge, David agreed to pay $1,379 for the service, providing half upfront as requested. However, after cashing the check, Frias vanished without fulfilling his promise.

Diane Van Boxtel shared a similar experience. She hired Rock Spread in October to refresh her landscaping, paying $1,100 upfront. Like David, she never saw Frias return to complete the job. Upon investigation, it became clear that Frias had operated under multiple business names to avoid detection. Victims believe he changes his business identity to continue exploiting unsuspecting homeowners. Despite claiming that the situation was unintentional and promising refunds by the end of February, Frias's credibility remains highly questionable.

Frias's latest venture involves sprinkler repair, where he advertises himself as the best choice for such services. This shift in business focus raises concerns about potential future victims. Both David and Diane urge other homeowners to be cautious and vigilant when hiring contractors. They emphasize the importance of thorough research and verification of business credentials before making any financial commitments. The emotional and financial toll of being deceived has left these victims advocating for greater awareness and protection within their community.

The incidents highlight the need for increased vigilance among homeowners when engaging with service providers. While David and Diane have suffered significant losses, their experiences serve as a warning to others. By sharing their stories, they hope to prevent further exploitation and encourage more stringent measures to protect consumers from unscrupulous operators. Awareness and caution are key to avoiding such scams, ensuring that hard-earned money is not lost to fraudulent practices.