I’ve been stupid, should have asked for a receipt

[misunderstoodMilo]

I’m looking for advice as I have been stupid and am been scammed, I could kick myself right now because I usually pride myself on being savvy. So just over a week ago I was looking for someone to replace a fence panel and cut my lawn as my usual gardener and fence repairer was sick. Through a local Facebook Recommendations page I found someone who arranged that he was going to do the jobs for me last Tuesday. He turned up and cut my lawn and ordered the fence panel for me and I paid him £215 of which £150 was for cutting the lawn and £64.95 for the fence panel. I felt a bit ripped off because of the cost of the lawn mowing but he had turned up and done the work and I was desperate for the jobs to be done so lesson learned. The fence panel was supposed to be with me on Wednesday and he was coming to install it upon delivery. It didn’t turn up, the same on Thursday but was delivered on Friday. I let him know and he was supposed to come and fix it on Monday (yesterday). He didn’t show up, I contacted him to ask what was going on and he said he had an emergency and was hoping to be with me either today or tomorrow. Meanwhile my usual gardener came and offered to install the fence panel for me today which took all of 5 minutes. I have emailed the original guy tonight to say not to worry and that the job has been done. I felt quite relieved this was the end of the matter. Instead he is now saying he is coming round for the money for the fence panel tomorrow and is disputing that I paid him for this which I did. Of course it was all very ad hoc and I didn’t get a receipt from him (I know, stupid error) so it is his word against mine about payment. He says on his child’s life he wouldn’t have asked for money up front and I know I paid as I heard him ordering the panel and it was supposed to be with me the next day so I was happy to pay. We even joked that he owed me 5p change and was rifling in his pockets for it. I have ceased conversation with him after saying he should take it further and have consulted 101 who tell me it is a civil matter and to speak to Citizens Advice tomorrow. Has anyone had the same sort of experience as me and what can I do next? I’m worried he is going to show up at my door or take back the fence panel. I know I’m stupid and paid in cash and should have asked for a receipt. Kicking myself hard!

Send a test explaining exactly the circumstances, ‘jogging his memory’ about the 5p change part, then block and ignore. He knows you paid, he’s just a chancer. ‘On his kids life’...what a cock!

You were desperate, rushed and made a bad decision. It happens, don’t beat yourself up about it. 💐

TEXT, not test

I really feel for you OP. Coming up against these either outright scammers or deluded individuals is just horrid. Reminds me the bad wallpaper poster! And I got done purchasing some furniture. We try to use small businesses and self employed people, but rubbish encounters like this really put me off!

If he shows up (which he won’t) call the police and do not get involved in it all. He has taken £150 for mowing the lawn, he would never want to admit to that in court.

Have you a ring doorbell ? Did you give him the money at the door ?

Why didn’t you just cut the grass yourself as a one off rather than let it get so long you had rats nesting in it?
More money then sense comes to mind.

Presumably she's not able to...

150 to mow a lawn? I'm in the wrong job!

Oh no that's awful. I'm sorry this happened to you. Please don't blame yourself. It's happened now and you know better now. If he comes over, tell him you did pay him and even joked about the 5 pence change. He should remember that. If he lies and demands payment again, I'd tell him to leave and that you're calling the police.

Christ alive, I think OP has got the point about the cost of the lawn ffs.

Because maybe she doesn’t have a bloody lawnmower, but anyway that’s beside the point !

There were not rats nesting in my grass, I saw one run across my garden. My grass had been cut just over 2 weeks previously and is usually cut every 2 weeks and well maintained. My usual trusted and reliable guy who usually cuts it hurt himself and had to cancel the next cut. Unfortunately it just so happened to be the time of year when weeds and grass are growing like mad because of the rain and warmth so it couldn’t be left any longer.

No communication since last night when I called him a scammer and said he could take the matter further if he wished about the payment. I have reported him to Trading Standards and called Citizens Advice and 101.

Thanks to most on here for the advice and support. Still can’t believe I didn’t raise my 🚩🚩🚩till much too late. Very expensive lesson learned, we can all be scammed and the effect it has is awful. These people are bullying scumbags.

Did he cut it like this?? If so, I can understand the price 🤣