Parents been scammed - not sure what to do

[Socrossrightnow]

Parents are in the their late 70’s. They employed someone to render their house over 2 months ago. The scaffolding has been up since September at a cost to my parents So far he has completed 2 days. Constant excuses and reasons for not turning up. He woke them up 2 days ago at 6 am promising he would be at their home by 8:30 but needed to buy £550 of materials. My parents were not really awake but transferred him the money. They haven’t seen or heard from since. I have tried repeatedly calling him but he red buttons me each time. I have sent him a message telling him how much stress he is causing my Dad is receiving immunotherapy for cancer and doesn’t need this shit. What can I do? Just for extra info this guy has been in prison for GBH and drugs. Should I just back off?

Have they reported it to the police?

No they haven’t contacted the police…. Would they be able to do anything?

Report to the police, also your local Citizens Advice (who may then pass it on to Trading Standards)

Do your parents agree that they hav been scammed?
If not its going to be hard for The Police to do anything. Having said that when my Mums Partner did something daft (not suggesting your parents have)and wouldn't listen to anyone about it a Community Officer went round and spoke to him so maybe worth calling them?

Yes parents recognise that it was stupid to part with money I think he just caught them off guard. I’m so cross with this man but recognise that he could be quite dangerous so not sure how much I should pursue this.

Can they get the scaffolding company to remove and stop the drain on costs? The worst thing they can do is take a sunk costs fallacy approach and think that having spent £x so far they need to continue to spend to get the value. This person will not do the work so cut their losses now, stop the accruing of costs and try to reclaim money through debt recovery means.

Small claims court? There are plenty of guides on what this would involve but it's relatively straightforward. Obviously he would know so if you are afraid that is worth bearing in mind.

You need to get the scaffolding removed asap.

contact the police.

post details about the situation on local Facebook groups and hopefully that gathers some attention for people. This could shame him into repaying etc.

Can you find out who owns the scaffolding? If it's the scammer, get it taken down and keep it somewhere secure until he gives the money back. Scaffolding is worth quite a bit.

How much money have they given him in total? How did you find out he was in prison? Definitely tell the police.