Pensioners scammed in paving job
Shelly Beach residents scammed in paving deal – contractor vanishes with cash.
What started as a routine home improvement job has turned into a cautionary tale to tell for an elderly couple. A case of fraud has been opened after the couple paid a large sum of money in June to a man claiming to be a paving contractor. But no work was ever done and the man has since disappeared.
The individual, who goes by the name Russell Reddy from a business called P&R Construction & Maintenance, is allegedly linked to several similar cases reported online, where others have also claimed to be conned.
The pensioners said a deal was made for paving work to be carried out, and payment was made upfront – but after that, Reddy became unreachable.
“He was persuasive and pushy about the money being paid upfront,” said the couple.
Saps Ugu District Communication and Liaison confirmed the fraud case and said the matter is under investigation.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Police have urged the public to be cautious when hiring contractors. Always verify the legitimacy of any business, request references, and avoid paying large sums of money upfront without proper documentation or a proven track record.
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