One Washington woman did her homework and checked out a contractor she found through Craigslist, but was still duped in the end.

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries have issued more than 350 tickets over the past 12 months to contractors who've been posting ads on Craigslist.

The violations vary, but in the case of Copper Creek Restorations, also known as Copper Creek Renovations, one builder in particular is accused of taking the identity of a legitimate Seattle area company.

Diana Carveth had high hopes for her downstairs fireplace; she dished out $1,300 to a company called Copper Creek Restoration.

"They told me they would work on it right away," Carveth said.

Four months later the fireplace sits unfinished. The contractors she thought she hired never completed the job.

"He never answered my e-mails or phone calls," Carveth said.

The problem started when Carveth posted an ad on Craigslist asking for a contractor. When Copper Creek Restoration replied -- everything checked out. The company had a license number, no complaints with the Better Business Bureau and claimed to be a division of the Everett-based Top Notch Construction LLC.

I asked the owner of Top Notch Construction LLC, Tom Luedeke, if he’s ever heard Copper Creek Renovations.

"I have not," said Luedeke.

Luedeke went on to say that he has no association with the contractor from Copper Creek Restoration and that he doesn’t even know who he is.

So imagine the surprise when Tom found his business name on the top of a Cooper Creek ad.

"Turns out this guy was fraudulently using my business name," Luedeke said. The alleged contractor used the Top Notch Construction LLC name at the top of his Copper Creek ads.

L&I is now investigating Copper Creek Restorations. They said not only was the company working without a license, but they were pretending to be someone else -- even using bogus license numbers

"Using fake information about who you are and what you are about is against the contractor registration laws," said Shari Purves-Reiter of L&I.

KIRO 7 Consumer Investigative team wanted to find Copper Creek Restoration and the guy behind it, and so the team traveled 220 miles east of Seattle to Spokane to pay him a visit.

That guy is Tim Johnston and he's posted numerous ads on Craigslist even as an unlicensed contractor.

While no one answered the door at Johnston’s home, state investigators say they're on to him.

As for Luedeke and Carveth -- the damage is already done.

"Reputation is everything,” Luedeke said as he fears his business’ name is now tarnished.

“They are messing with people's lives," Carveth said as she is left raising another $1,300 just so she can have the fireplace she wanted and paid for.

KIRO 7 spoke with Johnston over the phone and he said the flier was a misprint. He said he wasn't aware of a Top Notch Construction LLC in Seattle. As for the Craigslist ads, Johnston said he will take them down.

L&I is investigating and they have issued Johnston one citation.