You wired $150,000 to a home improvement contractor in April for a full renovation of your Astoria two-family. He tore out the kitchen, framed one bathroom wall, then stopped answering the phone. When you check your bank statement, that deposit is gone — and so is he. Most NYC homeowners assume a stolen deposit is a lost cause, so they call their bank, file a police report, and give up. It isn't a lost cause. New York's home improvement deposit escrow rules are stronger than