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Original poster

Not able to contact plumber - he has £3000

134 replies

Hello113 · 05/12/2024 14:29

Plumber was meant to start my bathroom this week but I can't reach him. I've been trying for 2.5 weeks. I've WhatsApp, text, email and call - nothing. Phone goes straight to voicemail. As of yesterday my WhatsApp messages are on one tick. He has £3000 of mine which I paid for materials. What to do now???

OP posts:
WickedlyCharmed · 05/12/2024 14:51

Unfortunately I think you’ve lost 3k. Sorry. It’s really shit. I’ve had a similar experience but thankfully only £750.

The only chance you’ll have of getting your money back is if you paid by credit or debit card. If you’ve paid cash or bank transfer (which is as good as paying cash) your bank won’t help you.

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 05/12/2024 14:48

This is no help to you now, but it's a bad sign to be asked for money for materials up front. Any reputable tradesman will have credit with suppliers or may ask you to order the materials directly. A reasonable deposit when booking to avoid you pulling out at the last minute may be acceptable, but you should get a proper receipt with a postal address on it.

PromoJoJo · 05/12/2024 14:45

This reply has been withdrawn

Withdrawn at the poster's request.

mimichitchat93 · 05/12/2024 14:43

Hello113 · 05/12/2024 14:29

Plumber was meant to start my bathroom this week but I can't reach him. I've been trying for 2.5 weeks. I've WhatsApp, text, email and call - nothing. Phone goes straight to voicemail. As of yesterday my WhatsApp messages are on one tick. He has £3000 of mine which I paid for materials. What to do now???

If you can't see his profile picture and it's on one tick. He's blocked you Contact him off a different number and see you if you get a response.

He's sounds like a fraud that you might have to take to smalls claims court.

Sorry this has happened to you.

I would repost this on my builder if you haven't already.

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 05/12/2024 14:43

Does he have a website? Do you have a postal address for him, either personal or a business address? Is his company registered? Do you have some kind of receipt for your payment, even an email or text?
These would be a starting point for tracing him and getting your money back. You could send a stiff letter (or email or whatever) saying that you'll be taking legal proceedings unless he either does the job or returns your money, but that will only work if you can identify him. It may be a scammer using a fake name or company name. Hope not.

NewGreenDuck · 05/12/2024 14:41

You didn't get the materials delivered to him, did you?

Fireworknight · 05/12/2024 14:38

Contact your bank and see if you can stop/reverse the payment (edit- not sure if this is possible).

BrerRabbit90 · 05/12/2024 14:37

😬
How did you pay him?