BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo-area contractor who admitted to taking money for home improvement projects he never completed says he was the victim of an online romance scam that drained his accounts and left him unable to pay customers back.

Charles Contrino failed to appear in small claims court on Wednesday morning, where Lancaster homeowner Doug Buszka was awarded $2,500 after suing the contractor for unfinished work. Buszka said he paid $4,000 total but could only prove $2,500 in court since $1,500 was paid in cash without receipts.

"Even though it's a family friend, supposedly, always get a receipt for everything they do," Buszka said.

I spoke to Contrino on Wednesday. He claimed his troubles began when he fell victim to an online romance scam.

"I met somebody online, supposedl

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