‘It’s heartbreaking’: More than 100 victims banded together through Facebook to seek justice after Houston business owner defrauded them of $1M — here’s how to spot a sketchy builder

A web of victims and a $12 million judgment

Sparks faces felony theft charges after a warrant was issued by Johnson County. According to investigators and victims, she allegedly collected large upfront payments — ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 — often in cash, from individuals and organizations expecting sheds or tiny homes. In many cases, contracts were signed, but no work ever began.

Victims include private citizens as well as vulnerable groups including a church, a domestic violence shelter and even a construction crew claiming it completed work in 2023 but was never paid.

Victim Charlotte Clifford, who says she paid $16,800 up front, recalled her experience to KPRC reporters

"She wrote out a contract — I've got the contract, all the paperwork at home — telling us when she was going to start our building. It never happened.”

The fraud unraveled when more than 100 people came together via a Facebook group, where they compared notes and documented their stories, revealing a pattern of broken promises and missing funds. Their collective effort culminated in a complaint submitted to the Harris County Attorney’s Office in late 2024.

Marino, an organizer behind the complaint, emphasized the importance of recordkeeping and speaking out.

"We’re showing a paper trail because we’re all in this together,” she told KPRC News. “We’re trying to get a resolution on this. It's just taking a little time.”

The result of that work was a $12 million judgment signed at the end of March 2025, which could help victims recover some of their losses.

With housing costs on the rise, more people are turning to tiny homes as an affordable alternative. According to one report, 73% of Americans would consider living in a tiny home.

However, this case highlights how the booming industry has presented an opportunity for scammers.

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Watch for red flags and protect yourself from builder scams

If you're planning to purchase a tiny home, here are some ways to protect yourself. The key is staying vigilant and doing your homework before committing.

Verify builder licensing and references

Ensure your builder is licensed and bonded. Ask for references, check online reviews and their rating with the Better Business Bureau. Reputable builders should have a portfolio of completed projects and satisfied clients.

Get a detailed contract

A legitimate builder should provide a detailed contract outlining timelines, materials, payment terms and guarantees.

Avoid paying 100% up front

Never pay the full amount before any work is done. A deposit, typically 10% to 25%, is reasonable, but further payments should be tied to completed work milestones. Your state may have limits on how much a contractor can ask for up front, check your local laws.

Use escrow services

Escrow accounts protect your money by only releasing funds when both parties meet agreed-upon terms. This is especially helpful for large transactions.

Watch for red flags

High-pressure sales tactics, vague or verbal-only agreements and refusal to show credentials or provide timelines can all be warning signs.

Keep all documentation

Save emails, receipts, signed contracts and messages. This can be helpful in disputes and legal actions, should it come to that.