DUBLIN: Complaints have been raised that some companies operating in the construction and house renovation sectors in various parts of the Dublin area are defrauding clients and extorting money.
Many customers claim that these fraudsters are cheating them by taking money in advance for home repairs and not completing the work on time. The scams are being led by people running temporary companies in Ireland from countries including Poland.
It has been found that people have lost between 5,000 and 25,000 euros as a result of a scam committed by some individuals targeting immigrants, including Indians.
The first thing they do is establish a Facebook friendship and send their company ad through messenger. Their strategy is to give an estimate of up to 50% less than the market rate if someone is approached for work. These frauds tell customers that locals charge up to double the going rate, but that they only charge a fair wage. They demand an advance of up to 30%.
They refuse to make payments through banks, and the entire transaction is completed by accepting money directly. There are customers who have paid up to 75% in advance on their promise to organize more workers and get the work done quickly if they give more advance money.
They promise to do all the house-related work, such as house extensions, renovations, garage construction, etc., and then disappear after taking advances from customers and starting work.
Many Keralites have complained that a company operating in Dublin, Wicklow, and Kildare counties misled them. Despite the fact that a complaint was filed with the Gardai, no action was taken because there was no legal agreement for the transaction.
Thousands of Indians have sought the help of such firms for repairs after purchasing new homes. Those who have lost money warn that if people do not start doing housework after making a proper agreement with such companies, which offer low wages and even “concessions” in planning permission, they will end up in such disasters.
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