Crooks Con Nearly £110k in Dodgy Home Repair Scam!
Scam Artists Target Islington Pensioner
Detectives have released E-fits of two men wanted in connection with a massive fraud that fleeced a 58-year-old man in Islington out of more than £100,000. Over 11 months, con men convinced the victim to hand over cash for fake home repairs that were never needed.
Fraudsters Up the Price With Fake Work
The scam kicked off in October 2018 when the victim was charged £1,500 for scaffolding allegedly installed in his garden. The crooks promised a refund but then demanded another £4,000. The man refused and got another company to remove it.
Then in July 2019, two men posing as builders from “Supreme Roofing Limited” offered roof repairs starting at £1,500. The price kept rising with claims of extra work and materials needed. When the victim threatened to call police, the scammers turned nasty.
Impersonating Police and Trading Standards to Extort Cash
The victim was cold-called by someone pretending to be from Action Fraud, demanding £5,000 to catch the fraudsters. The conmen also faked roles as police and trading standards officers, pressing for more cash to “investigate.”
In all, the victim handed over a staggering £110,000.
Police Hunt Suspects Behind Elaborate Scam
“This was a sustained and elaborate fraud perpetrated by a group of men who convinced a 58-year-old man to hand over a substantial amount of money,” said Detective Constable Alejandra Gomez.
“It appears the suspects repeatedly damaged the interior of his property to drum up more work. When the victim threatened police action, they impersonated officers to keep the cash flowing. We believe these crooks may be behind similar scams across London.”
Police urge anyone who recognises the men in the E-fits to call 0208 733 6291 or email [email protected].
