Losing a deposit to a contractor who vanishes is stressful and expensive. Acting quickly improves your chances of recovering money and preventing the same thing happening to someone else.

First, gather every piece of evidence: contracts, receipts, messages, photos of the unfinished work, and any advertised promises. This paperwork is the foundation of a small claim or complaint to trading standards.

Report the contractor to your local trading standards team and, if the amount is significant, consider a county court claim. If the work was paid by credit card or finance, you may also have protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Leave a detailed, factual review on Roguelist so other homeowners can find the warning before they hand over money. Focus on dates, amounts, and what was promised versus what was delivered. Objective reviews carry more weight than angry rants.