Five Sentenced for £370,000 Fraud Targeting Elderly Victims

Five men have been sentenced to a combined total of 14 years for their involvement in a widespread fraud and money laundering scheme that exploited elderly victims across Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and Herefordshire. The group targeted individuals with an average age of 74, defrauding them of over £370,000 between January and December 2022.

The fraudsters lured victims with offers of low-cost guttering work, only to apply pressure through false claims of extensive roof damage. They demanded thousands of pounds for unnecessary and substandard repairs. The ringleaders, Carl Davies, 32, from London, and David Chalk, 30, from Surrey, orchestrated the operation, recruiting accomplices to assist in the con.

Details of the Operation

The group operated under various aliases, including “Adam” and “Andy,” to confuse victims and mask their identities. Vincent Allsopp, 37, from Gloucestershire, played a pivotal role in establishing and managing a fake business front, using multiple bank accounts to route payments made by victims. Co-conspirators Stuart Woodward, 35, and Callum Taylor, 26, both from Ledbury, allowed their personal accounts to be used to further obscure the flow of illicit funds.

One notable victim, a pensioner from Salisbury, initially sought help for a blocked gutter. After being quoted £14,000 for repairs, she was coerced into paying £36,500, following claims about rotten rafters. Despite her doubts about the legitimacy of the photographs presented to her, she was threatened that work would cease if she questioned the escalating costs. An independent inspector later confirmed that the roof did not require replacement and characterized the work as “very poor.” In total, she lost £58,000 to the scammers and was forced to spend another £22,000 for necessary repairs.

Another victim, an 86-year-old woman from Ledbury who has since passed away, was also targeted while her sister was hospitalized. The fraudsters took advantage of her vulnerability, pressuring her into agreeing to work without providing invoices, often entering her home uninvited. She ultimately paid over £86,000 and received a fraudulent £120,000 compensation cheque that later bounced.

In total, the gang targeted nine homes, laundering their ill-gotten gains through various bank accounts and associates, while spending tens of thousands on gambling and cash withdrawals.

Legal Consequences and Statements

The investigation by the National Trading Standards Regional Investigation Team (South West), based in Bristol, uncovered the fraud through meticulous analysis of bank records, witness testimonies, and expert evaluations proving the work was unnecessary. The guilty pleas revealed the extent of the group’s operations, with David Chalk admitting to fraudulent trading under the Fraud Act, and Callum Taylor pleading guilty to money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act on June 9, 2025.

Following their sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Carl Davies was sentenced to four years and eight months, while David Chalk received three years and two months. Both were issued Criminal Behaviour Orders prohibiting them from engaging in property maintenance. Vincent Allsopp received a three-year sentence for money laundering, while Stuart Woodward was sentenced to one year and ten months. Callum Taylor received a one year and four months sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

Amy Chapman, Investigation Team Manager for the NTS South West Regional Investigation Team, emphasized the importance of collaboration in dismantling such fraudulent operations. She noted that the investigation involved partnerships with various policing agencies across the South West, South East, and Metropolitan areas.

Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, condemned the actions of the fraudsters, stating, “Their actions caused significant financial and emotional distress.” He urged anyone who has been affected by similar scams to report them to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by vulnerable individuals and the need for vigilance against fraudulent activities.