Dosh dilemma: I paid a deposit to get some blinds fitted, and now the tradesman has disappeared off the face of the earth

Baz has been in touch after he paid a tradesman a £340 deposit to fit some blinds. Since paying, the tradesman’s phone number is no longer recognised, and he’s shut down all his social media. Baz wants to know if he’ll ever see his money again.

Thanks for sharing your story, Baz. We’re really sorry to hear about your situation. Let’s take a look at how easy it’s going to be to get your money back.

To a large extent, this depends on how you paid.

If you paid in cash, unfortunately, there’s probably very little you can do. That is, unless you got a receipt. If you did, or you paid by cheque or bank transfer, report what’s happened to the police and get a crime reference number, then report it to Action Fraud as a scam.

In cases where you have paid money directly to the scammer, banks tend to follow a voluntary code of conduct that sets out when they should reimburse victims.

You’ll need to be assertive and emphasise the fact you’ve been scammed. Hopefully, if you do this, you’ll get your money back within days.

If your bank refuses to reimburse you, ask them for a deadlock letter (this will set out why they’re refusing to give you your money back). You can then ask the Financial Ombudsman to review your case, showing them this letter.

Good luck getting your money back, Baz.

How to protect yourself from rogue traders

Here are our five top tips to help you avoid finding yourself in a similar situation to Baz:

1. Do your research

Always check the tradesperson’s credentials before hiring them. Look for:

• membership of recognised trade bodies (e.g. Gas Safe Register, NICEIC or Federation of Master Builders)
• plenty of positive online reviews on Trustpilot, Checkatrade or Rated People
• a registered business address and contact details (avoid just a mobile number)

2. Avoid cash-in-hand deals

If someone offers you a cheaper price for cash with ‘no paperwork’, treat it as a red flag. Without a written quote or receipt, you’ll have no proof of what was agreed – or a leg to stand on if things go wrong.

3. Get everything in writing

Before work starts, ask for:

• a detailed written quote
• a clear timeline
• information about warranties or guarantees

This helps protect you if costs suddenly rise or the work isn’t up to scratch.

4. Don’t be rushed

Rogue traders often pressure people into quick decisions – claiming the deal is “today only” or insisting urgent repairs are needed. Take your time, compare a few quotes and trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.

5. Pay safely

Consider paying by credit card, as this gives you extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if something goes wrong.

Bonus tip: If in doubt, check with Citizens Advice or your local Trading Standards. And if you’ve been scammed, report it to Action Fraud.