Rogue builder took deposit and left UK

jeanette7708

Hi there,

4 weeks ago my mom needed her roof done.
we have looked on Checkatrade and selected a company from there - reviews and references checked out and we gave the builder a call.

he gave us a quote, we have given him a £8000 deposit - paid into his personal account.

works were supposed to start on 18th June, but he never showed up.

we went to the adress on the contract and have been told he sold all his stuff, and left permanently for Poland.

I have asked around and I have been told to file a claim with local police; some friends mentioned its theft, and he might be extradited? 

Realistically, do I stand any chance to catch him?

thanks

Momanns

Absolutely register this with the Police. It's likely fraud as opposed to theft but the Police can advise. Absolutely no chance of extradition on a single £8k fraud but he can be flagged as wanted. Hopefully if he ever tried to come back into the country he could then be arrested etc. However, I'd set a realistic expectation that this is unlikely to happen. 

You also need to contact your bank as this is a scam (in banking terms) but there is a slim chance some of the £8,000 remains in his personal account but again the bank will advise you on any next steps.