A kind-hearted neighbour of an elderly couple scammed out of £900 by a suspected rogue trader in Mapperley has set up a crowdfunding page to help them recoup their loss.
John Davis decided to start up the page after hearing his neighbours had handed over the cash to a man who had called round asking if they wanted fencing work carried out.
The trader told the couple he required £900 up front for materials so he could begin the work. They handed over the money and so far he hasn’t been seen since or returned their calls.
Mr Davis told Gedling Eye: “My neighbours are elderly couple who wanted some work doing and this guy knocked on the door asking them if they wanted a quote. The quote was far cheaper than what they had received so they went for it.
“This guy then contacted them and asked for the money up front to buy materials. In good faith they handed over the cash and haven’t seen them since. They’ve contacted him and so far heard nothing.
“They’ve said to me that they can’t get the work done now as they’ve lost this money they had saved up.
“They’re a lovely, quiet elderly couple and they don’t know I’ve set up this page. They would be far too proud to do this for themselves but if we can raise even half the money back for them through the crowdfunding page, then hopefully it will restore their faith in humanity.
He added: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far. We’ve had donations, offers to do the fencing work at cost and lots of shares. If you are able to get involved it would be greatly appreciated. “
Nottinghamshire Police confirmed they were investigating the incident.
A spokesman for the police told Gedling Eye: “Officers were called to Kent Road following reports of fraud being committed.
“An elderly couple handed over £900 for fencing materials to a man, who disappeared.
“The man came to their door to sell them fencing and now won’t return their calls.
“He had promised materials to be delivered to the house, but no calls were returned and no money was reimbursed.
“The incident was reported to the force on October 22, 2019 at around 10am.
They added: “If anyone has any information please call 101, quoting incident 204 of 22 October 2019.
You can make a donation by visiting John’s crowdfunding page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-neighbours-that-have-been-scammed?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
