I think I may have been scammed

Dolby

Dolby

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Well, never thought it'd happen and there is still a 50:50 chance I'm 'safe'

I had to have my pool redone (for a rental) and came across a guy on Facebook Community Forum for my area. Checked out his profile and comments on the community and see he's been around for since early this year with the same number. Even a few pics of 'his' work which look good.

I Google the number and I see he's advertised all over (OLX, Gumtree, my area website etc) as well for months - no complaints (or positives, actually). But nothing negative online or people screaming 'scam'

He came and checked out the pool last week and quotes R19,300.00 with a 60% deposit - which I transferred. He said he's be there last Thursday ... then Friday ... then Monday. Always had a reason why he couldn't come - but pitched up on Tuesday at 13:00 to to the job. Kept promising it'd be done in 3 days but his working did very, very little work.

Tenant doesn't like the guy and what he's doing ... says he doesn't know what he's doing .... missing promises ... deadlines etc. I phone him this afternoon to say please refund deposit and one of his phones dead. I reach him on another phone number (he has 3 numbers) and he promises he'll refund 90% tomorrow afternoon.

I still have the positive that he actually arrived after I paid him, twice. The same phones have been in use for most the year and he's active on Facebook.

But I guess I'll see :(
 
It just sounds like you're just dealing with another South African service provider. He's there, he isn't running away, he's just useless.
 
cerebus said:
It just sounds like you're just dealing with another South African service provider. He's there, he isn't running away, he's just useless.
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It happens everywhere, not just SA. Some friends in the UK hired a contractor to put a new kitchen into their new house before they moved in. The girlfriend was pregnant. The builder was so delayed and farted around so much that even though the house should have been livable months before her due date, when baby did arrive they still couldnt move into the house. They couch surfed with friends and family for a few weeks with a newborn until the builder finally got the kitchen installed.

The guy who did my moms bedroom balcony just disappeared midway through the job and left her with a swimming pool outside her bedroom that eventually leaked into the living room beneath it. This is in the Netherlands.

Its not just SA. Happens everywhere.
 
They all take deposit of between 50-60% I just hope I can get my deposit back tomorrow
 
Dolby said:
They all take deposit of between 50-60% I just hope I can get my deposit back tomorrow
Click to expand...

I have learnt from mistakes in the past. When i am told i need to pay a deposit, I opt to buy the materials myself (that way I will always have to materials if the guys bolts) and I pay on milestones instead - a lot safe that way.

Good luck.
 
Name and shame!
Wish there was a website where you could review service providers like Yelp! in the USA. Here you just wish and pray that the person is honourable...
 
Whatzmyname said:
Name and shame!
Wish there was a website where you could review service providers like Yelp! in the USA. Here you just wish and pray that the person is honourable...
Click to expand...
These scammers change their company identity on a regular basis. Their websites are filled with bogus references to give the illusion of being experienced.
 
Scare him because we have enough crap happen to us in our lives...

@Dolby , if you haven't already, do keep notes, smss, phonecalls and everything neatly logged [i trust you will / have had this done :)].

Go to the police and explain, get a case # and take it from there. I don't think you should wait any longer.

Remember how easy it is to RICA numbers, am not trying to scare you but realistically, what happens when he does not answer? It only takes a few clicks to block a FB profile through privacy settings or even delete it. :cry:.

Really sorry this happened to you. :(
 
Dolby said:
Well, never thought it'd happen and there is still a 50:50 chance I'm 'safe'

I had to have my pool redone (for a rental) and came across a guy on Facebook Community Forum for my area. Checked out his profile and comments on the community and see he's been around for since early this year with the same number. Even a few pics of 'his' work which look good.

I Google the number and I see he's advertised all over (OLX, Gumtree, my area website etc) as well for months - no complaints (or positives, actually). But nothing negative online or people screaming 'scam'

He came and checked out the pool last week and quotes R19,300.00 with a 60% deposit - which I transferred. He said he's be there last Thursday ... then Friday ... then Monday. Always had a reason why he couldn't come - but pitched up on Tuesday at 13:00 to to the job. Kept promising it'd be done in 3 days but his working did very, very little work.

Tenant doesn't like the guy and what he's doing ... says he doesn't know what he's doing .... missing promises ... deadlines etc. I phone him this afternoon to say please refund deposit and one of his phones dead. I reach him on another phone number (he has 3 numbers) and he promises he'll refund 90% tomorrow afternoon.

I still have the positive that he actually arrived after I paid him, twice. The same phones have been in use for most the year and he's active on Facebook.

But I guess I'll see :(
Click to expand...

The sad fact is that you should only use an artisan who comes recommended by someone you know.
 
He phoned last night and said deposit will be refunded today - so he hasn't gone fully. I won't name and shame yet, as he could refund. But he's dodging me totally so I eventually get it back.

By the way - there is a registration number on his quote. Is anyone here able to search to see if it is real?

EDIT : I see them on CIPRO, but need funds to do something else
 
Last edited:
TheFriendlyGhost said:
I have learnt from mistakes in the past. When i am told i need to pay a deposit, I opt to buy the materials myself (that way I will always have to materials if the guys bolts) and I pay on milestones instead - a lot safe that way.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

This is the only way to pay for renovations these days.
 
Sounds like you should be getting your money, its when they stop answering that it becomes a problem.

I think its typical behavior for small contractors / freelancers. I try to use local guys but they are often unreliable. When I moved into my house I got a handyman to install a complicated wall fencing system and do a few other bits and bobs, all things I could've done myself but I didn't have the time. Called the guy a few times to confirm, guess what, he didn't rock up. Send me a whole apology email later but I told him to get feked.

I also hate the 60% deposit thing. I've recently redone kitchen, gate installed, garden redone, new braai put in, painting and building. All wanted 60%, 75% of them were a sweat as they were later than promised, I'm always weary of being ripped off. I think they cannot manage expectations.
 
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