Hero Awards: Scam victim receives hero award after helping put rogue behind bars

Posted 20/06/18

Stevenage-based Maev Dunmore, 70, found the strength after losing £28,500 to a roofing scam to help Hertfordshire Trading Standards put the rogue behind bars. Maev has been recognised with the prestigious Hero Award from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) in recognition of her steadfast resolve after losing substantial amounts to the rogue.

Thomas Lee, of Orpington Kent, who at the time of the crime was 24, pleaded guilty in October 2017 and was sentenced to 40 months custodial with a hidden assets order made.

Initially Maev found herself under investigation by the police for money laundering after her bank reported the large sums of money being withdrawn and cash transferred to the rogue builder. They quickly understood that she was a victim and the case was referred to Hertfordshire Trading Standards.

Despite deteriorating health and persistent coercion from the scammers, once the scam was identified Maev was able to summon the courage to help her local trading standards service and bring her scammer to justice. Over a lengthy two-year trial, Maev remained dignified and supportive of her local service, even with the knowledge that she could not recover her lost money.

The CTSI Hero Award celebrates individuals or groups of people whose outstanding contribution towards consumer protection in our communities have made a significant impact. Every year, the Institute is inspired by the stories of nominees throughout the country whose bravery, altruism and hard work often goes unnoticed.

Chief Executive at CTSI, Leon Livermore, said: “It’s always heart-breaking to see how a scam can tear a person’s life apart. Maev, despite the odds, stayed strong throughout her ordeal, and we’re honoured to present her with our Hero Award.”

Maev was nominated by Yvonne Bartlett, Senior Trading Standards Officer for Hertfordshire County Council, who said: “Maev was left feeling very nervous, totally inadequate and frightened. And yet, she fully supported the investigation, never making any demands on the service, even when informed she could not get her money back. She is a brave lady and a real-life hero.”

Stephen McPartland, MP for Stevenage, presented Maev with her award at a special ceremony, which took place on Wednesday 20 June, at One Great George Street, London. Maev was honoured alongside eight other Heroes of consumer protection (link). 

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

For press queries/accreditation, email CTSI Press Office: [email protected], or call 01268 582240.

Picture l-r: Robert Wright (CTSI College of Fellows), Stephen McPartland MP, Maev Dunmore, Malcolm Craig (CTSI Chair).

Sponsored by: 

CTSI College of Fellows

The College of Fellows is a charity that has supported CTSI and the trading standards profession for more than 60 years. It promotes educational and research activities, as well as providing help for the families and dependants of trading standards professionals who die in service, and in other times of crisis.

Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)

CTSI is a training and membership group that has represented the interests of the Trading Standards profession since 1881 nationally and internationally. We aim to raise the profile of the profession while working towards fairer, better informed and safer consumer and business communities.

CTSI’s members are engaged in delivering frontline trading standards services in local authorities and in businesses. www.tradingstandards.uk.

Scams Awareness Month

Scams Awareness Month is an annual opportunity to raise awareness and take a stand against the crimes and predatory practices which affect millions of people. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has teamed up with Citizens Advice and the Consumer Protection Partnership (CPP) to ensure trading standards services can raise awareness of scams across the country.

This year’s campaign, ‘Don’t miss a trick, be scam aware’, will continue to focus on those frequently targeted for scams. Working with trading standards, Citizens Advice have identified four groups most likely to be targeted by scams: young people (18-24), life established (40s-60s), over 70s and the socially isolated. Each week of the campaign will focus on one of these four key groups.

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