A disabled Fircrest veteran says a contractor that advertised itself as veteran-owned walked off with nearly $28,000 of his money and left him without the finished deck and fence he was promised. The work was contracted last year and, he says, the project is still not done while his savings are gone.
Larry Turk says he signed a contract with Construction Kings in May 2025 and paid almost $30,000 up front, with the job supposed to be wrapped by September, he told FOX 13 Seattle. Turk, who described himself as a disabled veteran with serious back and shoulder injuries, said the company later told him it was out of business and then stopped returning calls. “No veteran-owned company would do this to a veteran,” Turk told the station.
A pattern of complaints
Public reviews and consumer complaint boards show multiple customers accusing the company of taking large deposits, missing start dates and leaving projects unfinished. The Better Business Bureau currently lists an “F” rating for Construction Kings. Recent online complaint posts describe deposits being cashed while work stalled on jobs around Pierce and King counties.
Authorities are probing
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is handling what it described as 26 contractor-fraud complaints tied to Construction Kings, and Bonney Lake police say they have several active criminal investigations, according to FOX 13 Seattle. Construction Kings president Zak Nash told the station he is “actively working to address matters through the appropriate channels.”
How to report and protect yourself
Victims who suspect contractor fraud are advised to keep copies of contracts, photos and receipts, and to file complaints with state and law-enforcement agencies, including the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries fraud reporting portal and the Washington Attorney General's Office. You should also contact local police to report possible theft or fraud and consider small-claims court or legal help to pursue civil recovery.
Turk's wife, Teresa, created a GoFundMe campaign to try to recoup part of the loss. The fundraiser lists the family as being based in Tacoma and seeks $7,500 to finish the project. The ordeal is a reminder to verify licenses, bonds and references, and to secure detailed written estimates before handing over large deposits to any contractor.
