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Original poster

Think I've been scammed - what can be done if so?

26 replies

FknOmniShambles · 21/10/2024 06:18

I haven't slept a wink, I'm so worried.
We are finally having our gerden landscaped and have been super excited for it. We obtained quotes from three companies who all came and had lengthy chats about our requirements, explained how the work could be done, etc. Admittedly, we went for the cheapest but it was not an insignificant quote - £12k.
I saw his website, he sent pic of previous work and I checked out his business on Company House.
We have paid £3700 deposit, with another £3700 when the prep work is done and the remaining balance due upon completion and sign - off. We were happy with this arrangement. The chap has always been super communicative, he's been round twice to take further measurements, etc.
The work is due to begin today. Last night I texted him and the message didn't go through. I tried several times and it simply wouldn't. Google says this could be because he has blocked me, which has sent me into an absolute panic. We messaged him from DH's phone and it sent, but no reply. I've remembered this morning I have him on WhatsApp as that's where he sent the pictures, but it's too early to message now.
I honestly haven't slept a wink with worrying I've been scammed.
Update - literally while writing this post I've had a text from a different number saying they've got issues with work van and won't be able to come til tomorrow. Would you be worrying? Am I being scammed here or do I give them the benefit of the doubt? If they start this job and don't finish it, it'll be disastrous as it's a big job with diggers, etc

OP posts:
OrsolaRosso · 21/10/2024 06:22

Are there any reviews online?
It's probably a bit early to assume scam.

Pat888 · 21/10/2024 06:25

Contact your bank - so much scamming these days -stop the £3700 - the worst that can happen is he is not scamming and is offended you queried him - but would he be upset? Possibly but is it better you saved the £3700 - you can always go to another landscaper.

Fireflies8 · 21/10/2024 06:25

Does the business have an address? Do you have a mobile number only or landline/business number?
Keep all texts and convos incase the worst should happen.
Did you pay by credit card?
Did you check the website on trust pilot?
What were customer reviews like

Pat888 · 21/10/2024 06:26

was he a lot cheaper?

cancel the payment if you can and claim you thought it had gone into the wrong account

Original poster
FknOmniShambles · 21/10/2024 06:29

There are only 5 reviews but they're all excellent. It's a smaller business as the more established builder's quote was closer to 20k and we just couldn't afford it. I paid the deposit a couple of weeks ago via bank transfer to a business account. I have all communication including initial quote, paper quote, confirmation of recept of deposit, invoice for deposit... Like I say, it's all been very professional until now. I just don't know why my number would be blocked.

OP posts:
MyEarringsAreGreen · 21/10/2024 06:31

You've paid him over 7K and he hasn't put a spade in the ground yet? What? I had an extension built and I didn't pay a single penny until stage 1 was complete and signed off by building regs!

Candaceowens · 21/10/2024 06:34

I'd wait to see if they actually start the work tomorrow before losing your mind. Also banks are great at recovering money these days if you have paperwork and proof.

Shouldbeworkingnotreadingtalk · 21/10/2024 06:38

Stop panicking. There's no reason to Susie t you've been scammed. Diggers, machinery, labour etc all has to be booked out so yeah, deposit perfectly normal. One text not going through doesn't mean scammed.
Groundworkets would typically be getting ready (for the days work) at 6am ish, to be on site for 7.30/8am so obviously they've just tried to start the van and it's not starting or a bit of just not working or whatever. DO NOT PANIC. all sounds fine so far. Good luck and I'll follow thread with interest and fingers crossed for you.

DreamW3aver · 21/10/2024 06:41

It does sound a little suspicious

When you checked on Companies House do you mean it's a limited company? Did the name check out when you did the bank transfer?

Van breaking down/unexpected hospital admission/taking dying dog to the vet are the kind of excuses dodgy tradesmen make but it might not be a scam, he could just be disorganized

Does he have a profile picture on Whatsapp that you can still see?

Original poster
FknOmniShambles · 21/10/2024 06:50

Have paid £3700 not £7k.
I know I'm panicking too soon but I'm reassured to hear banks can be helpful if proof is provided. I have asked the builder to give me a call as soon as possible.
Will update.

OP posts:
LoudSnoringDog · 21/10/2024 06:51

I would be sus at the message not going through too. That's odd.

Can your husband ask the number that messaged him to get the boss to call today?

Original poster
FknOmniShambles · 21/10/2024 06:54

LoudSnoringDog · 21/10/2024 06:51

I would be sus at the message not going through too. That's odd.

Can your husband ask the number that messaged him to get the boss to call today?

That's the number I've messaged asking for a call ASAP. Just said I wanted to discuss the schedule of the work.

OP posts:
LoudSnoringDog · 21/10/2024 07:03

🤞🤞🤞

AhBiscuits · 21/10/2024 07:15

I would definitely be nervous too.
I hope it all works out OK.

Motnight · 21/10/2024 07:23

Hopefully it all works out for you, Op.

oneeggisunoeuf · 21/10/2024 07:48

I do hope all is ok for you.

maecambell0 · 21/10/2024 13:52

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

DreamW3aver · 21/10/2024 16:05

Have they turned up?

Original poster
FknOmniShambles · 22/10/2024 18:05

Hi all,
Sorry to report that he did indeed scam us. I remembered yesterday morning I had him on WhatsApp because he had sent the previous work pics on there. I messaged him on WhatsApp and he rang back within seconds. He apologised profusely, talked me through the plan, explained that he had had two lads leave him and his van wasn't starting. He assured me he would be there this morning and the digger was booked for 8:30.

I went to work this morning at 6:30 and checked WhatsApp only to find he had blocked me on there too. My heart absolutely sank so I had to leave work, go home, check that the work had not started, which I knew it wouldn't have, and ring the bank.

To be honest, I cannot fault Natwest. Withing nine minutes of calling and speaking the scams and fraud people, they had agreed to refund my money. They did say they don't believe I did enough to protect myself but as a "good will gesture" they would refund me. I asked her what more I could have done, as I had explained all the due diligence I had done in checking him out. She said "not much really but on Company House you could have spotted his business is less than a year old, which could be a red flag." 🤔

DH and I feel upset but relieved. We cannot work out whether this was his intention all along or whether he's a tradesman who's got himself in a mess. Either way, we have our money back and will be extremely cautious when we eventually do get this work done.

OP posts:
TentEntWenTyfOur · 22/10/2024 18:14

Any member of the general public could easily check to see whether a business is registered with Companies House, but wouldn't necessarily know what to look for to see whether anything looks potentially dodgy or not.

You did the best that could reasonably be expected, and I'm pleased for you that the bank has agreed to refund your money.

LoudSnoringDog · 22/10/2024 18:35

What a piece of shit. How do these people sleep at night

DatingDinosaur · 22/10/2024 18:42

I'm glad you're getting your money back. I think there's been a recent change in banking 'law' regarding financial scams because it's getting more and more common.

I was always told NEVER to pay upfront for any work and any tradesman who asked or insisted on this is either fiddling the books or pulling a fast one.

I'm sure someone will be along to tell me not all new businesses can afford to fork out in advance but I don't see why it should fall to the potential customer to bail them out.

I think this guy had every intention of scamming you unfortunately.

LaurieFairyCake · 22/10/2024 19:10

Yes you've got your money back thankfully from the bank Flowers

But he still has the money and got away with it Angry what a scumbag

Stormyweatheroutthere · 22/10/2024 19:16

If you can give descriptions find your local fb or community group and try and expose them...

verycloakanddaggers · 22/10/2024 19:21

DatingDinosaur · 22/10/2024 18:42

I'm glad you're getting your money back. I think there's been a recent change in banking 'law' regarding financial scams because it's getting more and more common.

I was always told NEVER to pay upfront for any work and any tradesman who asked or insisted on this is either fiddling the books or pulling a fast one.

I'm sure someone will be along to tell me not all new businesses can afford to fork out in advance but I don't see why it should fall to the potential customer to bail them out.

I think this guy had every intention of scamming you unfortunately.

If the issue is the tradesperson can't afford building materials you have materials delivered to your own property and immediately reimburse for them. You can even order them yourself and make the initial payment.

There is no need to pay anyone for labour in advance.