Cowboy builder

[CharlesBR]

Any advice for what I should do next when dealing with a suspicious builder who tried to take a 50% deposit (£1800) from my elderly mother for repointing work to a chimney in cash before starting work? She was immediately quoted a price of £3,700 and was asked for a 50% deposit and she initially agreed and they walked her up to the bank to withdraw the money. Fortunately the bank was closed and no money changed hands and after realising what had happened she won't be getting him to do the work so this was a close call.
Reputable builders I know of (and have used myself) have never asked for money before work is started because they should have credit terms with building suppliers and also plenty cash reserves so that they don't require money upfront and don't take cash payment etc.
It doesn't seem like any crime has been committed but should we contact the police regardless or are there other things as well I can do to have the best impact possible on this so called builder.

 

[jeds]

I'd report it to the police. They'll do sweet FA but it might flag if there are several reports of the same thing. Same with Trading Standards.

 

[cdbe]

If you mother was happy to be taken to the bank by someone without contacting you or others then it's time for an LPA.

 

[kp00110]

Maybe get a nice big camera on the front door of your mums house? That will atleast scare of some door knockers and allow you to have some recording of these types of opportunists - ring type

 

[^woody^]

Reputable builders I know of (and have used myself) have never asked for money before work is started because they should have credit terms with building suppliers and also plenty cash reserves so that they don't require money upfront and don't take cash payment etc.

That's not the case. Many one-man bands or small builders have limited cash-flows and so may ask for a deposit to cover things like big material orders or hire costs and such like, and it's perfectly normal.

The thing is that a deposit amount must be reasonable in context of what it is intended to cover. There is no way a 50% deposit for this type of work is reasonable. At the most, its the cost of the scaffold hire, a few hundred pounds, for which the customer could pay the scaffold firm direct once its erected.

Being escorted to to a bank to withdraw a large cash sum may not be unlawful, but is a red marker. Bank cashiers are aware of this and may often refuse or flag it up when they see an elderly or vulnerable customer in this position.

BTW, £3.7k to point a chimney is way too much.

 

[jeds]

My Mum, before she departed, was badgered (on the phone) day after day by somebody selling a 21 day trip around North America and Alaska. She was 91 at the time. She gave in in the end and gave the bloke her CC details. My sister went to the bank four or five days later (when Mum told us about it) and they immediately cancelled the payment and refunded her. It was several thousand? The thing is, she was the grand master cynic; believe nothing you're told and only half of what you can see. I suppose at 91 you get worn down a bit easier.

 

[Old Salt]

Builders. I have used have asked for 25% once materials on site, 50% at roof height and remainder once complete. Or therabouts. Anyone wanting payment up front rings alarm bells for me.

 

[CharlesBR]

I suppose at 91 you get worn down a bit easier.

And this is the issue with elderly people is that they feel more under pressure and cornered when they are put in that situation.

 

[Mister Banks]

If you mother was happy to be taken to the bank by someone without contacting you or others then it's time for an LPA.

For what purpose? An LPA won't stop someone scamming his mother.

 

[cdbe]

It would be the bit where you can control the bank accounts, to make sure there aren't tens of thousands sat in instant access current accounts.

 

[CharlesBR]

That's not the case. Many one-man bands or small builders have limited cash-flows and so may ask for a deposit to cover things like big material orders or hire costs and such like, and it's perfectly normal.

The thing is that a deposit amount must be reasonable in context of what it is intended to cover. There is no way a 50% deposit for this type of work is reasonable. At the most, its the cost of the scaffold hire, a few hundred pounds, for which the customer could pay the scaffold firm direct once its erected.

Being escorted to to a bank to withdraw a large cash sum may not be unlawful, but is a red marker. Bank cashiers are aware of this and may often refuse or flag it up when they see an elderly or vulnerable customer in this position.

BTW, £3.7k to point a chimney is way too much.

Thanks Woody, good to know. To be be fair I have used a limited amount of builders and have taken in all sorts of advice but what you say does make sense.