@Pamela-Fraley I'm sorry your Dad has had to endure this. I feel too sometimes when a company or business presents one thing and does another, whether they are outright deceiving people or they just unprofessional, they are a mess to deal with. Your dad fortunately dodged a bullet, hopefully he'll continue to listen to you and learn how to trust his spidey senses. It's hard to know sometimes! That's why I don't do anything until I have a contract in my hand. And even then, I build in a sketch fee as an "out" should things start to go sideways.
I was approached by an author who has 100+ books published, and wanted me to do her next book. She found a publisher that offered to publish her book, with the contingency of work for hire, in lieu of royalties. What a gross offer OMG. I was disgusted with the idea and confused why something like that can even fly, and she was a reputable author!!