Hornsea man, 91, lost life savings in rogue roofer scam
BBCA 91-year-old man said he lost his life’s savings for the rogue trader who came to repair some loose tiles but eventually replaced the entire roof.
Allan, from Hornsea, East Yorkshire, said he was visited by the builders after Storm Darragh last December and he thought they would fix some small losses.
Instead, he claimed they had put the scaffolding, replaced all his tiles and gave him a bill for £31,680.
Humberside police are investigating.
Allan Darragh swept East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
On Sunday, December 15, the builder arrived and began to build scaffolding.
Allen said he couldn’t remember whether he asked them to come or whether it was a cold electricity.
“A ladder appeared and three people showed up and started peeling off the roof, so I think they knew what they were doing and a little bit of slate disappeared.”
“They were placed in the back of the van and drove there and then came back and started putting new plates on the roof.”
Allen said he was confused about the size of the work the roofing work did and he didn’t ask for it.
“It’s so overwhelming,” he explained. “Once I started, there was nothing I could do.”
Allan claimed that the price of the work was not mentioned, but once it was done, he would present a bill for £31,680.
“I think he knows how much money I have because I have a bank statement there (the next room)” Allen said.
“That’s all the money I have.”
Allen said the roofer told him that he would be able to claim the job on insurance if he paid them upfront, but when he contacted insurance company Natwest Home Insurance, they said they could not pay for the remedial work that had not been signed in advance.
A NATWEST spokesperson encouraged customers to contact them before agreeing to perform any repair work, “so we can advise on their claims and verify any work that needs to be done.”
They added that after the scam, they will provide Allen with “continuous additional support.”
‘Killing’
The BBC saw the December 18 offer and invoice, which Allan paid in full via check.
Tim Day, director of doorstep crime, scams and consumer vulnerability at the Chartered Transaction Standards Institute (CTSI), said this type of scam represents 95% of his case – and generally, the victim’s psychological losses are much greater than the scams that are financially caused.
He said the 2003 study by the Home Office showed that in the two years after the incident, death or entry into residential care was two and a half times more likely to die or enter hospitalization than those without victimization.
“Unfortunately, it’s robbing their independence, which is not an exaggeration to say, literally, it’s killing.”
He added that the market was “overwhelmed” by Allan’s Rogue Traders.
Fraud is the most common type of crime in the UK, with a total of about 40% of crimes committed in England and Wales, According to the government.
Dr. Dai said the government should propose a mandatory national licensing program to make traders more responsible.
“Currently, you have a situation where anyone can set themselves up, you don’t need any experience, knowledge or training, and they don’t need to be legal in any way.
“The trade they represent, as it is usually the case at present, is purely a means of committing fraud.”
A spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce and Trade said, “There is no clear evidence that the licensing plan will raise the bar”.
They said the department supports the Trust Sign Program to help people find qualified traders, and local authorities will have new powers starting in April to allow tougher fines for businesses that deprive customers.
Allen said he had accepted that he had lost money, but they did not respond when his family tried to call the roofer in an attempt to get the scaffolding down.
The scaffolding stayed on his property for more than two months, and then another builder was willing to take it away.
Allen’s close friend Fred Bree said he was exploited for the degree of advantage of the “beggar faith”.
Bray added: “Allen is a very proud and independent man and he doesn’t seek help – but he’s very vulnerable.”
See similar scams
The Yorkshire Commission’s East Knights’ local trade standards team said it has seen similar scams “day in and day out”.
According to the company House, the details of the company’s Allen invoices appear to match a company that dissolved in 2022.
The BBC decided not to name the company for Allan’s security.
Humberside police said many investigations are under investigation.
Det Insp Mark Hawley added: “Those who choose to deceive and commit such immoral crimes against older people and vulnerable groups are a shame for our society.
“I always encourage anyone who suspects that they or someone they know might be a victim of fraud, maybe talking to someone.
Details of providing fraud support are available at BBC action line.
