OAP fleeced by bogus roofing contractors

Jan 8 2009 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

A PENSIONER who believes he has been the victim of rogue roofing contractors has warned others to be on their guard.

Arthur Stanley, 66, who lives on the Great Orme, believes he paid £250 for roof repairs which weren’t needed after two men knocked on his door last week saying they had spotted loose tiles on it and offering to carry out repair work.

“They said they’d been working across the road and had spotted some problems with my roof. They said the work would only cost between £30 and £40, but when they came back the next day the estimate went up to £800.

“When I said I couldn’t afford that they said they’d do a temporary repair for £250. Like a fool I agreed to it because I was worried about damp getting into the house in this cold weather. When I said I hadn’t got the cash they said they’d wait while I got it, and I handed it over,” he said.

“But at the weekend I asked a friend of mine who is a reputable roofer to look at the roof and he said the work they’d done wasn’t worth what I’d paid and I could have had the whole roof done for between £300 and £400 which I naturally found upsetting as I realised I’d been taken in,” he said.

Mr Stanley said he asked for a receipt for the payment and was told one would be sent to him.

“I haven’t received it and I have no way of tracing the men. They were in a white transit type van with ladders on the roof but there was no name or phone number on it. I just want to warn other people to be on their guard,” he added.

A spokeswoman for Conwy Trading Standards said they’d received no complaints about rogue roofers preying on people in Llandudno but warned people to be cautious about giving building work to anyone who knocks on the door without first checking their credentials.

“Always ask for identification, seek a written quotation and ask for details of how to cancel. Never hand money over before work is completed,” she said.

If you are worried about doorstep callers or have concerns about elderly or vulnerable neighbours, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.