Blocked payment by the bank

[beetlebugslife]

We’re hoping for some advice.
My elderly dad needs some building work carried out on his property. Although my siblings and I live some distance away, we’ve managed to arrange several quotes and, between us and Dad, we’ve chosen a builder to go ahead with.
The builder has requested a deposit, which seems perfectly normal. However, Dad banks with NatWest and the builder uses an ANNA business account. NatWest’s fraud team have repeatedly blocked the transfer, saying they believe it’s potentially fraudulent.
We’ve done as many checks as we can. We’ve looked at TrustATrader, Google and Facebook reviews and haven’t found anything concerning. The business doesn’t appear on Companies House, but we appreciate they may simply be a sole trader, so that in itself isn’t necessarily a red flag.
Following NatWest’s suggestion, we asked whether the builder could take payment by credit card or PayPal, but they don’t offer either. We also tried sending the payment from a Halifax account instead, but that transfer was blocked too. Both banks have said the business isn't registered, which seems to be what's triggering the fraud alerts.
We're keen to pay in a way that protects Dad and provides a clear payment trail, so we'd rather avoid paying cash unless there's no alternative.
A quick Google search suggests that some high street banks can be cautious about payments to ANNA accounts because of the way their fraud detection systems work, although I don't really understand the technical side of it.
Has anyone experienced something similar? If so, how did you manage to make the payment, or is there another secure method we should consider? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

What have the bank said exactly about it?

To be honest, two banks blocking it is a massive red flag.

Either they don't deal with that banking system generally, in which case the builder would surely have an alternative. Or the amount is too high. Or there is a discrepancy in the names.

I would be concerned about it to be honest. I wouldn't be pushing the bank to put the transaction through.

What do you know about the builder and what has the builder said?

If you want to use them, then a cheque should be an option.

Builder has been in business 10+ years. One sister has met him and she didn’t get any iffy vibes. Another sister has been messaging him with no problems. His reviews are good.. he has an account with ANNA

ANNA isn’t a bank; it’s a business/fin. tech co

id suspect banks are wary of transferring to them due to that

if he’s unwilling to accept a cheque then he’s probably not what your family want to deal with at the moment

So what have the bank said when you actually spoke to them or your father spoke to them?

I doubt they have a blanket ban on it, but there may be other concerns

It seems odd that a genuine builder would make life difficult for himself in terms of payment. Why doesn't he have a normal bank account?

How did you find the builder?

This. A genuine builder would have a normal bank account and, to be honest, a decent builder doesn’t generally ask for a deposit unless there is something bespoke being ordered.

Very good point re: deposit.

Work has been ordered for 17/8 a 25% on booking was in the quote we got. The rest payable on completion.

There’s absolutely no way I’d be paying in cash. Have you taken any references from other customers? If you have, can you ask them how they paid?

We have spoken to 2 who both paid by bank transfer so no clue why dad is a problem

And how did you find these customers?

I don’t think it’s unusual for builders to ask for a deposit. They have materials to buy and time booked for the job.

They almost always ask for some payment upfront.

One was a neighbours friend one came via a Facebook review

Never paid a deposit for a builder and never will. You have no protection. Unless there is a proper signed legal document dont pay anything and even then its risky like this.

When two different banks have both blocked it, I really wouldn't be trying to find a way around the block. Especially one like cash that offers you absolutely no protection.

I’ve had a LOT of building work done over the years - this has all the hallmarks of a disaster. I would never use any tradesman who did not have a legitimate business bank account. Is he fully insured? Registered with any professional body? Do NOT accept the positive “word of mouth” reviews. Legitimate traders would be on sites like checkatrade and you would see dozens of reviews…..

Nope. They don’t almost always do this and there is no need to do so. It’s worrying so many people think it is ok.

If they need materials, you can order them and have them delivered to your house. They will yabber on about trade accounts but every reputable trades supplier allows builders to set up accounts their clients can purchase with. The only thing you should be paying them for is labour, and that can happen when they are complete. Asking for any % as a deposit is a red flag.

I work in the construction sector. Many people think it's ok because it is ok. What's not ok is paying for everything upfront.

Okay, I will try third time -

What did the bank say about it? They should be able to give you specific reasons why the transaction is rejected and it may be something that you can sort.

I'm currently in the middle of a huge building project and have got bank transfers to various trades coming out of my arse. I've sent £50k in dribs and drabs in the last 3 months. Not one payment has been blocked and these are mostly sole traders banking with Monzo/Starling/Lloyds. They are not limited companies, so no 'registration'.

It seems like the perfect storm of your Dad's age + a large and unusual amount + an e-money service instead of a bank.

Banks are more on the hook for dodgy bank transfers these days, so they will be extra cautious. Especially with a customer who is considered vulnerable.

I was not with my dad at the time, sister number 2 was the wording was quite specific and mentioned suspected fraud. Sister 3 is going to try again tomorrow. As per previous posts there are 4 of us and we all live 200miles plus from my dad. Mentally he is together not physically. I’m sure a trip to the bank for a face to face meets could probably sort this but that can’t happen without help.

I also work in the construction sector, I advise every client never to do this. It is a recipe for disaster. There are safer ways to make sure a tradie can cashflow the job without paying them a % upfront.

I have had loads of work done on my house, never paid upfront.

@beetlebugslife what is the total cost of the work?