EDITOR – I would like to warn readers with regards to a fraudster currently defrauding people doing renovations.

An Indian man arrived at our property in Almond Road on October 25 and asked if he could quote on doing some work on the site. We told him that the project had been stopped upon the instruction of a building inspector. He said he would explain to the inspector the risk of leaving the house open as there are no windows or doors in the house.

He phoned the next day and informed me that he has contacted the inspector and set up an appointment to meet on-site. I was very impressed as he was so well-contacted; we did not have to tell him who the inspector was.

The next day, they arrived in his car, and the meeting was held on our property. After a discussion, the inspector agreed that we could proceed with the project. On the same day, the fraudster sent a quote for the work to be done.

I assumed the inspector knew him as they arrived in the same car. When I asked if he knew him and if he was trustworthy, he could not confirm how he was with his customers, only that he had worked with him for many years.

I proceeded to pay a deposit of R60 000 for him to secure materials to commence the work. This was not a once-in-a-lifetime deal – it all seemed to be in line with what all the other contractors quoted. Work would have commenced on October 31, but day after day, he came up with an excuse. Eventually, on November 15, he offered me a full refund.

We agreed it would be a same-day clearance, so I waited for the money in my account and proof of payment. On November 17, I opened a case of fraud against him and still have not seen a cent repaid to me.

Please do not fall victim to the fraudster – just because he is in contact with building inspectors does not make him an honest businessman.

You have been warned.
CHRIS ROTHMANN

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