I think I have been ripped off/scammed (Electrician)

IPIP

I needed 9 downlights installed in a new ceiling we've installed. So I got a proper electrician to quote me and they said £220.

So I posted an ad on gumtree and got a local guy. He seemed a bit strange at first (smelled of alcohol at 12ish pm), dressed in a tracksuit etc.

But I ignored this because he seemed he knew what he was doing. He walked me through with what he was going to do. From the electric switch to our ceiling. At the time, the lights weren't delivered and they came while he was in the house. Prior to the delivery, he guessed the low voltage lights that I ordered. (GU10).

Anyway, he quoted me £100.00 and I accepted it. He said he needs to buy transformers, cables etc therefore he needs a deposit of £50.00.

Long story short, I gave him £60.00 deposit (no change, only had 20's notes) and we signed an agreement. Luckily, I also managed to note down his vehicle's plate number. (This was on Tue).

We agreed that he'll carry out the work yesterday (wed) and he never showed up.

I kept calling him and no answer. At one point, the phone was engaged (busy) so I sent him a text and he replied. Apparently he had a car accident after leaving Wickes and I was speaking (texting) his wife.

They are able to text but not pick up the phone and speak with me. Apparently this is because the phone is broken from the "car accident" he had.

Anyway, "she" said he'll be out of hospital today (Thurs) and that he will be with me on Monday.

The whole thing sounds suspicious but I have no choice but to wait till Monday.

My whole living room is a mess, no wallpapers, no flooring, plasterboard dust everywhere etc. This was a DIY job of mine so I have to postpone all work till Monday.

I wanted to ask, if he does not show up on Monday (which I believe he won't show up and probably give another excuse) what can I do?

I have his name, signature and car plate number.

Thanks (and sorry for the long essay )

kmmr

I wouldn't be optimistic on this one. It's classic to suddenly have phone problems, as well as a convenient family crisis. As soon as you start getting more pushy I bet he stops responding completely.

No idea what the next steps would be. Trading standards? I suspect the police won't be terribly interested sadly.

LEJC

At this point you need to give him until monday to show up because thats what you have agreed and its no point making other plans only to find that on monday he comes along as agreed and does the job.

what I would do however is phone or text on sunday to check that the plans are still in place and agree the time he will be with you....

If you have also given him £60 and this was an overpayment for materials etc nmake sure that when you hand over the remaining money that it reflects the previous payment.

macman

He'd hardly sign an agreement if he was out to scam you for £60.
The alcohol smell would have put me off though...

lesalanos

macman wrote: »

He'd hardly sign an agreement if he was out to scam you for £60.
The alcohol smell would have put me off though...

That depends on if he used his real name

IPIP

macman wrote: »

He'd hardly sign an agreement if he was out to scam you for £60.
The alcohol smell would have put me off though...

This is the problem I have, I haven't checked any ID or anything. He could've signed the agreement on a false name.

I hope he turns up on Monday and his story is true. I'll feel like an idiot for giving him a hard time but it'll be worth it.

phill99

What could you do?

You need to put it down to experience. Then get a list of local contractors from 1 of the electrical regulating bodies and contact 2 or 3 local contractors.

You posting an ad on gum tree isn't necessarily the bet way to find a decent contractor.

fluffpot

GU10's are mains halogens not extra low voltage, so they don't need transformers......

I think you'll have to wait until Monday but his quote sounds a bit odd - £50 materials and only £50 labour..... way too cheap, so I think you may have been scammed. Esp as you didn't need the transformers!

Ah well put it down to experience and of course you'll use a proper electrician next time, won't you!

Steve_the_fitter

not sure what part of the country you are from buy £100 wouldnt be enough to fit 4 gu10's in most places

muckybutt

Electrician also needs to be part P registered being as its a new installation, if they were just swaps it wouldnt matter but new lighting of this nature will need to be signed off as compliant.

As others have stated £100 way too cheap, fittings with lamps will cost best part of £90, sounds like a right cowboy.

IPIP

We figured £100 was enough because we've pretty much did the hole cutting, fixing etc. We just needed someone to make the connection.