What to do in case of fraud?

Questioner

I was scammed last summer by a man living in Heerlen. He came to my house to install a fence, for which we physically met at his house and where I then paid an advance of 500 euros. It was an open/honest conversation, everything was neatly put on paper and signed by both him and me. However, he never delivered anything, 101 excuses. Then I said I wanted my money back, which never happened after many messages and promises (lies). I then reported this to the police in Heerlen, where it remained quiet for a long time. In recent weeks, it went to the District Public Prosecutor's Office in the Netherlands, but they decided that there would be no criminal case, because it was a 'civil matter'. I also contacted victim support, but they could not help me any further and said that I should contact the legal aid office (or an alternative). Hopefully something can be arranged this way. I think it is absolutely unacceptable that someone can 'just' cheat you out of 500 euros, without having to pay it back, and without consequences. That is a very easy and unfair way to earn your money.

Lawyer

Good evening, Annoying situation and unfortunately these forms of fraud occur often. In practice, not much is usually done with it from a criminal law perspective, unless it turns out that this person has done this to many more people. You can start a civil procedure to reclaim your money. An agreement has been made and that person has not kept it. It is also important to know whether the work would be carried out by him as an entrepreneur or as a private individual. If you wish to discuss your case further, please feel free to contact us without obligation. Kind regards, Mr. Silvienne Leito FerLei Legal 06-49175526