Trader Guilty of Fraud by False Representation

Trader Guilty of Fraud by False Representation

At Caernarfon Crown Court on 15 April 2026, Joseph Thomas trading as C & J Roofing and Building pleaded guilty to section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006, namely fraud by false representation.

In 2024, Mr Thomas had been contacted by an elderly man from Llanelian, who requested guttering repair work be carried out. Joseph Thomas had insisted various other work was required: removal of ivy, felling of trees and the installation of a fence to the side of the property.

Mr Thomas demanded payment of £17,000 for the work – cheques for £5,000 and £7,000 respectively, and a £5,000 bank transfer, which the 84 year old victim felt compelled to pay.

On receiving a complaint, Conwy Trading Standards obtained the services of an independent surveyor to assess the work and provide a costing on how much the work should have cost. The independent surveyor’s report concluded that the work undertaken should have cost £6432.56, meaning the victim had been overcharged by £10,567.44.

The case was adjourned to allow for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, with a date for sentencing scheduled for 21May 2026.

Conwy County Borough Council’s Public Protection Manager, Victoria Stevenson, said:

“As a Local Authority we have a duty of care to protect our residents. This outcome highlights the hard work undertaken by Conwy Trading Standards Officers in applying the regulations to protect Conwy consumers.

"We are determined to tackle doorstep crime and ensure that these unscrupulous traders think twice before targeting vulnerable residents in Conwy County”.

Top Tips:

Do not agree to on the spot house repairs:

Do not make snap decisions. Take time to talk to someone you trust before you make a decision

Do not sign away your rights: do not sign anything on the spot:

You have 14 days to cancel any purchase over the cost of £42 that you make in your home. If someone won’t give you a written notice telling you how and to whom you must give your cancellation – they commit a criminal offence.

Be wary of special offers or warnings that your house is unsafe:

It’s usually not that special, and don’t panic - why has nobody else noticed it’s dangerous?

Always agree the price, payment arrangements and start/finish dates in writing before any work starts on your home:

Don’t pay in full until you’re completely satisfied with the work.

If you think you’ve been cheated, are concerned about a trader or have any doubts, call:

North Wales Police: 101 (If you feel intimidated or threatened by any doorstep seller you should shut the door and call the Police emergency number 999)

Citizens Advice Consumer Service (CACS):  0808 223 1144 (Welsh) 0808 223 1133 (English)

Traders wanting further guidance can contact Conwy Trading Standards on 01492 574110 or visit Trading Standards - Conwy County Borough Council or ConwyTS@Facebook.com