Think I've been scammed

[cherrywest]

Men delivery leaflets for roof cleaning, patios etc. I spoke to the guy who tried to get me to have my roof cleaned. I declined as too expensive. He then said he'd do a small bit of garage roof for free to show how good it was. As It now looked odd just a corner cleaned I agreed to have just the front garage roof done. He charged 350. I paid but afterwards I could kick myself! I feel so stupid. My son in law said it wouldn't have cost 50 to do that. I know there's nothing I can do. I threw the leaflet away so have no idea who they were. I've put it down to experience but it keeps me awake at night.

You say he charged £350, but surely you asked him how much the rest of the roof was going to be before he carried on with it, so the amount wasn’t a surprise? If not, then that’s a really simple lesson to learn for next time, always always agree the rate for the job in advance.

I would contact your local police to report this, it's a common scam sadly. Just be prepared that scammers may have you on their radar and you may find yourself with them returning / doing further work without permission

Not a scam.You asked him to do the job, but didn’t agree the price before he started I’m guessing?

What's done is done. No sense dwelling on it, just learn from it.

I had my drive jet washed by a passing through set-up. I agreed the price (£80), said I'd have to go and get the cash as I didn't have any (I did, but didn't want them to know I kept cash in the house), and I was happy with the job. One of my neighbours agreed for them to do her drive, back patio and clean her gutters for £260. She paid upfront and they didn't come back to do the job. She came to my door, very upset, asking if I had contact details. No I didn't. I felt bad for her but she was daft to pay upfront.

Yes, you were scammed and you won't fall foul again. They are notorious. I worked in fraud and these guys have done much worse to do many people including my father. Tell the police and warn your neighbours. They prey on the elderly and vulnerable.