A family from Yelm says it was tricked, cheated and scammed when they were promised a new home, but lost everything instead.

Kevin and Shannon Wheat spent nearly $400,000 to build their dream home, so when the bank recommended a contractor -- the Wheats thought they were in good hands.

"It was supposed to be a home where we can raise our children," said Shannon.

The Wheats invested everything into their dream home set in the back country of Thurston County.

The couple was approved for a $340,000 loan and found a contractor through Venture Bank of Washington. The Wheats said the bank recommend a man by the name of Steve Vanlue.

"We felt that he was someone we could trust,” Shannon said.

The Wheats hired Vanlue, bought the land and began construction of their new home last October. Although the house was suppose to be finished last April, as of early July, walls remain missing, wires are exposed, pipes run uncovered and there’s lumber rotting in the yard.

The Wheats realized they were stuck.

According to court documents, Vanlue took the money, didn't pay subcontractors, he lost his state license and his bond was canceled.

Not only did the money disappear, but according to a Skagit County police report, Vanlue skipped town.

A missing persons report showed Vanlue disappeared February 20. Investigators said he boarded a plane and flew to Bangkok more than 7,000 miles away.

The family’s attorney Ben Cushman alleges Vanlue embezzled the money to Thailand.

"You cannot accidentally take money which isn't yours and go to Bangkok," said Cushman.

He's now suing Vanlue and Venture Bank for allowing this to happen.

There is one problem however, Vanlue is dead. His body was discovered in Laos.

"We have a situation where the bank put these people together. (The bank) vouched for the contractor and the contractor turned out to be a real bad apple it appears," Cushman said.

As for the Wheats, they’ve lost their savings, their home and their dreams.

"It was wrong what he did. He took us down. It's just awful," said Shannon.

The Wheats hope to get some of their money back, although they’ve already had to take out a second loan on their current house in order to help pay off their loan.

A spokesperson with Venture Bank declined an on camera interview; they said it's against company policy to comment on any ongoing litigation.