An offer for new windows is turning out to be a possible case of fraud. A local couple says everything seemed legitimate until the contractors got their money.

A KOMO News investigation uncovered evidence that indicate the window contractors may not be legal contractors at all.

Debbie Perham and her husband were in the market for new windows when they got a call in June.

"They called me and said they got our name from the home show," said Debbie. But now she's not sure how the caller got her name and phone number.

The company called itself Northwest Energy Solutions, Windows and Siding. Debbie says they took measurements for eight windows and a french door. The purchase order shows a total price of $5,260.

"We gave them a check. A deposit for $1,880," Debbie said.

Debbie and her husband signed the contract on June 19 With work to begin on July 21 and be completed by July 22nd.

But that didn't happen.

"They canceled because the french doors were not ready," said Debbie.

Two weeks later came another cancellation.

"Supposedly, the gentleman that had been here measuring the windows, he got thrown in jail," Debbie said.

The company claimed the truck had been impounded with all the orders still in the truck.

"Then they were going to come out the 25th of August. And I have not talked to them since," said Debbie.

Calls to the company either didn't go through or went unanswered.

Department of Labor and Industries records show no window or siding contractor registered as Northwest Energy Solutions.

The phone number listed on the purchase order tracks to a fast food restaurant in the food court at Tacoma Mall.

I went to the restaurant and no one new anything about any window and siding company.

According to the Better Business Bureau, the company lists the owner as Julian Mitchell, the same name used by the woman who told Debbie she owned the business. The company's address is listed as of 22960 South 272nd in Federal Way.

I went looking along South 272nd. According to the postal service, there is no such address in Federal Way or Tacoma, or Renton, or Auburn or Kent. It doesn't exist.

I was also unable to locate any listing for a Julian Mitchell.

But a photocopy of Debbie's check shows someone cashed it right away.

A processing stamp on the back shows the money was deposited on June 23, to the account of a company called CM Retail Management.

Further investigation on line shows CM Retail Management is a company headquartered in Reno, Nevada. A call to the company revealed it's a payday loan company called Cash 1. I was told Debbie's check was cashed at a Cash 1 branch in Tacoma .

Debbie has been advised to file a fraud report with police and start an investigation.

Bottom line: never do business with any contractor before you check them thoroughly.

Ask for their contractors license or registration number and verify it with the Department of Labor and Industries.

Make sure they're licensed and bonded and check for complaints or claims against the contractor's insurance bond.

Get bids from at least two or three businesses to compare professionalism, punctuality, interpersonal communication, attention to detail and explanation of the work, as well as price.

Never accept a bid based on price alone.

Ask for a business card.

Most importantly, get referrals from friends, neighbors, relatives and other people you know and trust. Thats always the best ways to find contractors who perform quality, reliable work. Debbie says she feels duped- but she called KOMO News to help keep the same thing from happening to you.