Further action taken against rogue trader following Trading Standards intervention
A rogue trader who scammed elderly and vulnerable residents out of more than £500,000 has been hit with further sanctions to prevent him preying on more victims in the future.
Joseph Oliver of Lytham St Annes, near Blackpool, was jailed last July for fraudulent trading offences committed between January 2017 and June 2023 when he was director of businesses LJ Property Solutions Limited and Windowseal Limited.
Mr Oliver's successful prosecution followed a co-ordinated investigation by Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards, Isle of Anglesey Trading Standards and Trading Standards Wales Regional Investigation Team, funded by National Trading Standards.
The full investigation identified a total of 39 victims aged between 53 and 93 years old, eight of which were from Lancashire. Individual victims were defrauded of between £60 and £120,000, with a total fraud value calculated in excess of £500,000.
Victims in Lancashire reported receiving telesales calls and home visits from Windowseal Limited, alleging window or conservatory guarantees were close to running out. This then led to them agreeing to window maintenance/service contracts. After gaining their trust and access to their home, would then try to get their victim to agree to more unnecessary work.
In addition to the damage to property, the experience had a detrimental effect on the health of the victims, who described Mr Oliver as ‘calculating, manipulative, ruthless and a professional conman.'
Mr Oliver pleaded guilty to two counts of participating in a fraudulent business under the Companies Act 2006 and was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court last July to four years and nine months in prison. He was also disqualified from being a director of a company for 10 years.
Since the conviction, Trading Standards has continued to pursue further legal action on behalf of Mr Oliver's victims and to protect the public from him in the future.
On 23 May this year, a criminal behaviour order was granted at Mold Crown Court for an indefinite period, banning Mr Oliver from being involved in any business that cold calls the public to sell or get leads for the selling of any products and being involved in any business that sells home improvement products or warranties or guaranties to consumers at their home address.
This following a proceeds of Crime Confiscation hearing that took place on 3 May at Mold Crown Court, where Mr Oliver was ordered to pay a benefit figure of £7,612.61, which is to be divided between three of his victims who lost the largest amount. Unfortunately, not all monies were able to be recovered, meaning not all victims are able to be compensated.
County Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, said:
"Rogue traders often leave their victims feeling betrayed, as they exploit trust and vulnerability to deliver substandard or incomplete work, causing significant emotional, physical and financial distress.
"Trading Standards will not tolerate any form of exploitation or deceit.
"Our message is clear – if you engage in fraudulent activities, be prepared to face legal action and significant penalties.
"The harm Mr Oliver has done to his victims cannot be undone but justice has been served, and we hope this latest action will bring some comfort to his victims."