Any recourse when paying rogue tradesman by BACs?

Windsorcastle

I had a roofer do two pieces of 'work' for me a few months ago and paid him by BACs.

Now turns out he was a complete cowboy and totally ripped me off. After threatening with police, trading standards, etc, he has now offered to repay half the amount (sob story of course).

But is there any recourse through the banks when money has been been sent by BACS? It's effectively obtaining money by deception, but would I need to report to police?

sjbrun

None, you will have to use the small claims court to get your money back. The bank will not help.

pinkshoes

Get some quotes to put the work right (i assume you have asked him to return and fix it??) then take him to court for the amount it will cost to have the shoddy work repaired.

Silver-Surfer_2

Windsorcastle wrote: »

I had a roofer do two pieces of 'work' for me a few months ago and paid him by BACs.

Now turns out he was a complete cowboy and totally ripped me off. After threatening with police, trading standards, etc, he has now offered to repay half the amount (sob story of course).

But is there any recourse through the banks when money has been been sent by BACS? It's effectively obtaining money by deception, but would I need to report to police?

Is the shoddy work due to dishonesty or incompetence?

As he's actually done the work it's probably incompetence which will be easier to prove.

The police will tell you it's a civil dispute, which it is.

Windsorcastle

Thankyou all. The work was definitely dishonest, not incompetence. They also returned a few weeks ago to say they had been driving past and noticed another problem with my roof! But I sent them away, as I was already pretty sure they were conmen. I notice the company has now been kicked off Checkatrade.

I originally paid £3000 in total. I have now been told that what they did was rubbish and wasn't even worth £200.

After a flurry of very angry texts and phone calls today, the cowboy has agreed to pay me £1200 into my bank account today (sob story saying thats all the money he can raise), as long as I email him on receipt to say that I accept that in full and final settlement and won't take any further action. He also said he would 'try to' send me another £400 as soon as he gets some more work - this bit is clearly BS.

Obviously I want the £1200 but it's not enough. Any suggestions how I can cleverly word my email so that I'm not agreeing it is in full settlement? (although I have told him verbally I will do that).

Windsorcastle

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

The police will tell you it's a civil dispute, which it is.

Thanks Silver-Surfer - isn't there an offence of obtaining money/property by deception? Would that not be something the police would let me report?

soolin

Windsorcastle wrote: »

Thanks Silver-Surfer - isn't there an offence of obtaining money/property by deception? Would that not be something the police would let me report?

You can report things, but that doesn't mean you will get any money back.

Silver-Surfer_2

Windsorcastle wrote: »

Thanks Silver-Surfer - isn't there an offence of obtaining money/property by deception? Would that not be something the police would let me report?

There is yes.

The burden of proof is beyond reasonable doubt that he has acted dishonestly. You haven't posted enough evidence to determine this.


If you went down the civil route the burden of proof is on the balance of probability he has not completed the job with reasonable skill and care.

What would doing the job he quoted cost if a skilled tradesman were to do it?

Annie1960

Take him through small claims court procedure. You don't need a solicitor for this.