Workmen have disappeared

Heidi_Jane

I found people to do some decorating for me on Myworkman. They have done less than half of the job agreed and I have paid them 70% already. They left yesterday afternoon and said that they were going to buy more materials - they have not returned since and are not answering their phone.

Is there anything that I can do? Do I have any form of recourse?

mountainchrisriver

Try dialling their number again but with holding your number so they don't know its you... may then get to speak to them at least before you go down the road of taking more drastic action...

nickj_2

this scam is as old as the hills ,i doubt if you will see them or your cash again contact the police or trading standards ,
in the future ask for recommendations from friends , nieghbours etc
don't part with any cash until job is done , or pay as you go if job takes a long time

misgrace

Have you tried contacting My workman?, surely they should accept some responsibilty?
Have you anything in writing, a quote with an address on it?

HugoSP

When it comes down to it, there is no substitute to golden rules about paying upfront and personal recommendations.

It just goes to show that these sites are a complete lottery.

MyWorkman may be able to help with registered addresses. HMRC may also be interested in them as well.

Apart from contacting the site and reporting them to Trading Standards, and parhaps the police there is little you can do to get your money back.

You could go to the small claims court if you have their details, there is a chance that you could be a pain in the A** enough for them to "pay you off". If they don't show up at a hearing then you stand a very good chance of being awarded damages. Recovering them is another matter.

If all else fails, get HMRC onto them. Karma!