A Gateshead woman who lost £4,700 to a bogus builder has said she felt 'betrayed and devastated' after her kitchen was left in a state of despair.
The 57-year-old agreed to pay some of the price upfront after viewing what appeared to be a legitimate website and reading complimentary reviews of his services but the man failed to turn up.
Eventually, the scammer did come to her home in the Gateshead area but only for three days, ripping out her kitchen.
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This was the last she heard from the bogus trader. His Gateshead victim says the builder's actions left her home 'destroyed'.
Today, she has spoken out in the hopes that others can avoid falling foul of similar scams.
The 57-year-old said: “Initially it all seemed above board, his website looked legitimate, and his reviews spoke highly of his work.
“I paid him some of the agreed price upfront as a retainer, however, he never turned up. I chased him and eventually he came and did three-and-a-half days’ work which involved him ripping out part of my old kitchen – but he soon disappeared again, leaving my home destroyed and my bank balance a lot lighter. In addition, his tone towards me quickly changed, as if he was trying to initiate an argument to justify not returning to complete the work.
“I then realised too late that the website was fake, and all the reviews had been written on the same day and were clearly not legitimate. I then realised his reported office address was empty and the only method of contact I had for him was a telephone number and gmail address. It was then I contacted police and reported everything.
“I look back and I felt so foolish for falling for his scam, but these people know what they’re doing and they’re incredibly clever about how they go about their criminal actions.
"He had gained my trust initially and then I felt so betrayed and devastated by his actions."
This victim hopes her words may encourage others to realise they are a victim and to come forward to report it to police.
“I really do hope my story can help stop others from falling victim to these people or realise they’re a victim before they lose a lot of money. There is help and support out there if you are a victim, so make sure to report it.”
Often victims can’t see they are a victim and when they do are too scared or embarrassed to report it. Scammers often use fake names and create false identities and websites to pray on people.
Detective Sergeant Phil Thoburn, from Northumbria Police’s Complex Fraud Investigation team, has encouraged people to be wary of doorstep traders and bogus builders, and urged the public to continue reporting their concerns.
He said: “Sadly we know that scammers will use every trick at their disposal to try and make money by exploiting people and we will continue to do all we can to help protect people from this.
“Where possible we urge the public to use a recognised tradesperson and conduct background checks on their business and previous reviews.
“Beware of strangers canvassing for work at your door, remember you are well within your rights to ask for identification, take your time, and don’t be rushed into agreeing to any work, or paying for any services. Discuss quotes with family and friends before you agree a price.
“No professional organisation should ever get annoyed or frustrated with you for taking your time - only fraudsters will rush you.
“We will never judge anyone who has fallen victim, so please don’t be embarrassed and contact us immediately, we’re here to help and offer you support.”
If you have been contacted by a bogus builder or trader, please report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting their website for more information.
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