A proposed system involving a dedicated application and a register of vetted tradespeople is being promoted as a way to enhance consumer protection against unscrupulous builders. However, for individuals such as Sheri Ingram, the introduction of these measures comes after they have already fallen victim to fraudulent traders.
Ingram, 35, recounted how she failed to notice warning signs when hiring Lee Slocombe to renovate her ex-boyfriend’s property in the south Wales valleys. Slocombe claimed he could perform the work at a reduced cost because he had leftover materials from a previous project, subsequently requesting an upfront payment for additional supplies.
“At the time, we believed him,” Ingram said, reflecting on the incident that occurred when she was in her early twenties and had recently graduated from university. The couple had allocated approximately £8,000 for the renovation, which involved removing a load-bearing wall and constructing an extension complete with a balcony.
Does the app actually verify credentials, or is it just another website anyone can pay to join? Skeptical about real enforcement here.
I wish this had existed when my brother hired a rogue painter. Ten thousand pounds down the drain. Hopefully this helps others.
Fascinating how Slocombe used leftover materials as a pretext for upfront payment. Classic red flag I never knew existed.
This arrives too late for victims like Sheri. New registers won’t fill the void left by those already scammed.