Letters | Solution for contractors' fraud is escrow

Philadelphia Inquirer, The, September, 2007

Re "2 Bucks contractors accused of conspiracy," Sept. 13: I am a lawyer, and funds held for clients must be segregated from operating funds. A lawyer who improperly invades his trust account is subject to disbarment and loss of livelihood. Why not require contractors be held to the same standards as lawyers?

According to The Inquirer's article, a couple gave brothers Joseph Salvatico and John Salvatico $96,000 for materials and work to be done on a house. Under my proposal, that money would have been placed in an escrow account. The brothers could not use it for payroll, to purchase materials for other clients, or for vehicle leases. They could withdraw it only for the use of the couple who gave it to them and as they earned it.

Granted, this would require an additional burden on the bureaucracy, but why not protect the consumer ...