‘My savings for my savings on the roof which I did not ask for’

A 91 -year -old man says that he lost his life savings to evil traders, who came to repair some loose tiles, but finished the entire roof space.

Elon of East Yorkshire’s Hornsia said that he was visited by the builders after the storm last December, assuming that he would fix some minor damage.

Instead, he claims that they put scaffolding, replaced all his tiles and gave him a bill for £ 31,680.

Hamberoside police is investigating.

Alan said that a passing window cleaner told him that there was a loose slate in the days after that Hurricane Daragh swept away Eastern Yorkshire and Lincolnshire,

On Sunday 15 December, the builders arrived and started making scaffolding.

Alan said he does not remember if he asked him to come, or was it a cold call.

He said, “A ladder appeared, three people appeared and started snatching the roof, so I thought they were well aware of what they were doing, and a little bit of the slate disappeared,” he said.

“They were put behind a wagon, and then they went with them and came back and started putting new slabs on the roof, just like that.”

Alan said that he was confused with the size of the job that the roofs were doing, and he did not ask for it.

“It was very heavy,” he explained. “Once it started, I could not do anything about it.”

Alan claimed that there was no price for work, but once finished, he was presented with a bill for £ 31,680.

“I think he knew how much money I had because I had a bank statement (next room),” Alan said.

“It was all the money that I had.”

Alan said the roof told him that if he pays him an upfront, he would be able to claim work on insurance, but when he contacted Natwest Home Insurance by his insurers, he said he could not cover the cost for the remedial work he had not already signed.

A spokesperson of Natwest encouraged customers to contact them before agreeing to any repair work, “So we can advise on their claim and validate any work that needs to be done”.

He said that he would provide Allen with “ongoing additional support” after the scam.

The BBC has seen a dated dialect and challan on December 18, which was paid by Alan completely by check.

Dr. Tim Dey, The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Dorstep Crime, Prominent Officer for Scams and Consumer Vulnerability, said that this type of scam represents their 95% Casselide – and often the victims have more than the mental toll financial.

He said that research conducted by the Home Office in 2003 suggested that the old victims of the wicked businessman died two years after two years of death or went into residential care after an incident, who were not victims.

“It is unfortunately, robbing the people of his freedom and there is no exaggeration to say, quite literally, it is killing people,” he said.

He said that the market was “flood” with evil traders, who targeted Allen.

Fraud is the most common crime type in UK, which is about 40% of all crimes in England and Wales, According to the government,

Dr. Dey said that the government should bring traders to a compulsory National Licensing Scheme to make it more accountable.

“Currently, you have found a situation where anyone can establish themselves, you do not need any experience, or knowledge, or training, and they do not need to be valid in any way.

“The business that they represent, as often occurs, occurs at this time, can be a purely a means by which they cheat.”

A spokesperson of the Department of Trade and Trade said that “there was no clear evidence that a licensing scheme would improve standards”.

He said that the department supports the Trustmark scheme to help people find competent traders, and local authorities will have new powers from April that allow customers to allow a difficult fine against ripping businesses.

Alan said that he had admitted that he had lost his money, but when his family tried to call on the roof, he tried to bring the scaffolding down, he did not respond.

Another builder was abandoned on his property for more than two months before offering to take him away.

Alan’s close friend, Fred Bree, said that he was taken advantage of “beggars’ trust.

“Alan is a very proud and independent person, he is not taking help – but he is weak,” said Mr. Bree.

At the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the local trading standard team said it saw similar scams “Day in Day Out”.

According to the company house, the details for the firm on Alan’s challan were dissolved in 2022.

The BBC has decided not to name the company for Allen’s safety.

Hamberoside police said it was investigating several lines.

Date Inspection Mark Hale said: “Those who choose to discredit and commit such dishonest crimes against the elderly and weak people are an insult to our society.

“I will always encourage someone who doubts that they, or someone they know, may be a victim of fraud to talk to someone about it. If it looks great to come true, or you feel under pressure to make a quick decision, it is a possible red flag that is nothing right.”

Details of support with fraud are available BBC Action Line,