Driveway Patio Scam?

John_T5

We booked a guy to come do our back patio. Small job which he booked in for around 2 weeks later. Calls and texts to arrange this, no payment upfront. Turned up two days late for maybe an hour (when i wasn't home) and did a little digging and left some tools ready for job (he said). Few days later asked for money towards materials so he could do the job today. He had left his tools around and it was only 250 pounds. I felt uncomfortable and should have said no but i made a mistake and gave him it on promise they'd be straight back. Never turned up. They were answering calls/texts and said on his way many times. I then sent a text that night saying i think i'd been scammed and i'll approach the police. He text me later 'lol and that he finish as promised' and i called back, he was very apologetic, promised it again for the morning. This morning he text me to say on his way (which i've been told 7-8 times this week now). Still not here.

My mates think the tools might be stolen. However it seems really elaborate for a 250 quid (they did ask for £400 though) and i'm concerned they are still saying they are on the way to do the job. if it was a scam why wouldn't they just disappear after getting money? Should i just forget it now and accept lesson learnt and assume they won't come back? Or actually tell them i don't want the job doing anymore and to stay away (let the money go)? Ideally i want to just draw a line under it and have no more contact with them. Concerned they may turn up and start work demanding money for a poor job.

I feel uncomfortable about dealing with them now and obviously annoyed with myself for getting into it.

Any advice appreciated.

Greta_Sharbo

Do you have his address?
Did they provide anything in writing?

LadyDee

Did they say they had material left over from a Council job?

If you think the tools are stolen get in touch with the local Police - expensive trade tools will have serial numbers and if they are stolen someone somewhere will have reported them.

missile

He had an Irish accent and gave you a mobile number?

hollydays

Try googling his phone number