A Broxbourne man has been ordered to compensate two victims after pleading guilty to rogue trading offences in Hatfield in September 2022.
The offence occurred at two addresses in Magpie Walk, when the victims agreed to have work done to their gardens. The victims paid several thousand pounds in advance, however, the tradesman then requested further payments for materials, which the victims paid. Despite numerous attempts to contact the tradesman, the work was never completed at either address.
Ross Gormer, aged 40, of Columbia Road, Broxbourne, was arrested on 10 November 2022 and subsequently charged with fraud by false representation. He appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Monday 6 July, where he plead guilty and was ordered to compensate his victims more than £5,000.
Investigative support was provided by Hertfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service, demonstrating our commitment to collaborate with enforcement partners.
Detective Constable Leanne Nye, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Case Investigation Team said: “Gormer took advantage of the victims and took nearly £3,000 in advance of commencing any work and avoided a series of attempts by the victims to chase up completion of the work.
“This case underlines the need to do your research before hiring someone to work on your home. If you have a trader calling at your home uninvited, claiming you need work done, never agree to anything or part with any cash straight away. The law protects you in this situation by providing you with a 14-day cancellation period. Only you can agree for the work to commence within the cancellation period if you want it to.”
Our colleagues at Hertfordshire Trading Standards advise home owners to make use of the cancellation period and not be rushed into making a decision. Take the time to:
speak to someone you trust about what has happened,seek a second opinion from a trading standards approved Which? Trusted Trader, andseek advice about your consumer rights from the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Visit Report Fraud or our crime prevention pages for advice on avoiding fraud.
Regular fraud and cybercrime awareness sessions are run in Hertfordshire, visit: Hertfordshire County Council library events to find out more.
Please share this advice with vulnerable family members and friends. If you believe you may have been a victim of fraud report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Get the latest scam alerts as well as updates from Report Fraud. Sign up for free at Herts Connected.
You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.
