Cowboy Builder Given PRISON Sentence in RCT

Recent reports from Rhondda Cynon Taf highlight the devastating impact of "cowboy builders" who have scammed residents out of hundreds of thousands of pounds through fraud and shoddy workmanship.

The Council previously reported that in November OVER £180,000 was unscrupulously taken from residents in just one month! With many of those being left with unsafe projects or paying more than triple the cost for simple jobs.

This month Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards Officers have successfully been able to take action against another notorious Cowboy - Cristopher Webber, 48, from Mountain Ash who was sentenced to over three years in prison after defrauding victims of approximately £223,000.

Mr. Cristopher Webber targeted residents in the Vale of Glamorgan and Aberdare between 2021 and 2022. His actions left homes in "disastrous" states of disrepair, with work so poor it had to be completely removed and rebuilt.

One victim lost £103,029, while another lost a combined £120,000 across two properties.

Mr Webber, falsely claimed to have engaged architects and structural engineers and lied about submitting building regulation applications.

Mr Webbers victims were left in extremely dangerous conditions, including floor tiles laid without adhesive and holes in floors that were simply tiled over rather than patched.

His victims were left struggling with huge debts and their lives in ruins, whilst he continued to live the ‘high life’ on social media.

The Council’s Trading Standards team are continuing to receive an increasing number of reports from residents about cowboy builders and are now warning the public to be on their guard.

The stories that have been told to unsuspecting residents by the likes of Mr Webber continue to take the word ‘rogue’ and ‘cowboy’ to new levels – with residents being told that ‘special products’ were costing up to £10,000 as they need to be imported and stored overseas. The products are also readily available at a local hardware store in Pontypridd!

The main thing as always, is if it seems too good to be true, then trust your instincts it probably is! If cost start doubling from original quotes – stop, think and always question! A decent craftsperson would be happy to explain and show you evidence.

Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“The vast majority of Rhondda Cynon Taf traders and builders complete their work on time and to their customers’ satisfaction. When this is not the case and traders take money for rushed bodge jobs, then our trading standards team are here to protect residents from the actions of rogue traders. 

“Unfortunately, too many customers are being left in stressful and sometimes dangerous situations and considerably out of pocket due to their actions. Mr Webber was indeed the KING of Cowboys and it was sheer luck that nobody was physically hurt from his dangerous workmanship. I would like to thank the team for all their hard work in making sure he was held to account!

“We hope that by raising awareness of building fraud and the methods used by rogue traders, we will educate consumers, give them the confidence to make the right decisions and make it more difficult for fraudsters to operate.

“Rogue traders can be very convincing, but their work will often be incorrectly priced, and shoddy and their actions can have a devastating impact upon the lives of their victims, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable. If you're looking to have work done then our Trading Standards officers always advise you get recommendations from friends and family, or Trade Associations.”

Every day scammers take advantage of unsuspecting victims, catching them off guard, often knocking on their doors or cold calling them and thanks to technology they are able to make their ‘scams’ even more believable.

BUT there are ways that we can help stop ourselves and our loved ones falling fowl of these unscrupulous fraudsters.

There are often key jobs that these opportunists are willing to do for you, these include laying resin or block paving driveways, clearing Autumn leaves or guttering, cutting lawns and cutting down trees. They even know when to target you, with many magically appearing before or after a stormy weather warning.

How to spot a rogue builder

Warning signs of a dishonest or Cowboy builder include: 

• Approaching you directly: Reputable builders do not typically knock on doors to find work – they don’t need to, thanks to word of mouth! If a builder claims to have noticed a problem with your property while working nearby or have instant availability to ‘fit you in’ it's a major red flag.
• Requiring cash-only payments: Rogue traders often operate "off the books" to avoid tax and leave no paper trail. They may offer a discount if you pay in cash.
• Demanding money upfront: While a small deposit for materials can be acceptable and should be documented in a contract and receipt, a rogue builder might demand full payment before starting or finishing the job, then disappear.
• Offering a quote that is too low: A quote that is significantly cheaper than others could indicate the use of poor materials, substandard work, or that the builder plans to invent more work later.
• No written contract: A reputable builder will provide a written contract that details the work, costs, and payment schedule. A rogue trader will be reluctant to sign anything.
• No company details or references: A dishonest builder may use a mobile number that is impossible to trace and will make excuses when asked for references or proof of past work. Always check them out on Companies House if possible and be suspicious of PO Box addresses.
• Ignoring regulations: They may flout building regulations and safety standards, which can leave your property unsafe, devalued and needing more work. 

What to do if you are a victim

If you have been scammed by a rogue builder, take the following steps:

1. Gather evidence: Collect all relevant information, including paperwork, invoices, contracts, photos or videos of the work, video doorbell footage, social media messages and accounts and notes of your conversations with the builder.
2. Contact Citizens Advice: Get free, independent advice on your consumer rights. They can help you with your complaint and, if necessary, pass your report to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards team.
3. Report to Trading Standards: This government body investigates illegal trading activities and can take businesses to court or stop them from operating. You can do this via Citizens Advice.
4. Contact the police: If you are being threatened or feel unsafe you should always contact the police by dialling 999.
5. Contact the police (Action Fraud): If the builder took your money with no intention of completing the work, this may be considered fraud. Report the crime to Action Fraud.
6. Consider a court claim: For smaller claims, you can take the builder to a small claims court. Having a written contract and other evidence will be vital.
7. Contact your bank: If you paid by credit or debit card, you may be able to get your money back from the bank, especially if the builder was fraudulent. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. 

How to prevent being scammed

• Get multiple quotes: Always get at least three quotes from different builders to compare costs and ensure they are realistic. Ask for them to broken down to avoid any vague ‘extras’.
• Avoid doorstep sellers: Never agree to work from someone who unexpectedly knocks on your door.
• Doorbell Videos: Use any video footage you may have and let the scammer know that you have them on camera. Make a note of their vehicle registration number.
• Check credentials: Ask for references and see examples of their previous work. You can check a company's status on Companies House.
• Check your checks: Some cowboys aren’t who they say they are and use the names of other local ‘good’ builders to fool you. If you are given a number to call, make sure you check that number is linked to the correct business by calling a number on their actual website or official Facebook page.
• Check a What? There are a number of websites that offer services saying that they have checked a business, BUT do your own checks as some of these will offer paid advertising and may not have all the facts at hand.
• Social Media Groups: Check local hubs and groups and ask for reviews. Chances are if there are a scammer they have done it before!
• Use trusted schemes: Find builders who belong to reputable trade associations or use vetted and approved trader schemes.
• Get a contract: Ensure all agreements are in writing, detailing the work to be done, materials, costs, and a payment schedule.
• Avoid paying by CASH: Paying by cash might be preferred but this takes away all traceability.
• Avoid large upfront payments: Agree on a staged payment plan that reflects the progress of the work. Avoid paying for everything in advance. 
• Look out for your neighbours: If you see an older or vulnerable neighbour being targeted or having work done, check in with them or their family members to make sure that it’s as it should be.

If you have concerns about a Cowboy builder or scammer in Rhondda Cynon Taf you can report it to Trading Standards by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 123 1133. More information is also available at Consumer - Citizens Advice.