Rogue trader jailed in Trading Standards case after exploiting elderly widow

Article date: 4 November 2026

In December 2024, after neighbours alerted her to loose roof tiles, an elderly widow searched for a roofer and found an advert for FV Roofing Limited offering discounts for pensioners.

After calling the number, she was visited by Frank Varey, 44, who claimed repairs were urgently needed. He initially quoted £4,000 for the work before reducing the price to £1,500 if it was completed that weekend. The victim agreed and paid a £500 deposit by card after Mr Varey requested cash but accepted card payment.

Mr Varey returned the following day, earlier than agreed, carrying out around 30 minutes of work before requesting the remaining £1,000.

On 15 December 2024, the victim's neighbour noticed tiles were still hanging from the roof. After contacting her insurer, she learned an inspection would be needed and was asked for an invoice, but she had received no paperwork from Mr Varey. Mr Varey told her he would contact the insurer directly and provide an invoice.

The victim then contacted Trading Standards. An officer attended the property and found recently replaced edging tiles that appeared to have been fitted incorrectly. An investigation was launched into possible breaches of consumer protection and fair trading laws.

In September 2025, Mr Varey was interviewed by Trading Standards officers under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984. Accompanied by legal representation, he answered "no comment" to all questions.

Sentencing

The case was heard recently at Liverpool Crown Court, where Frank Varey, 44, and FV Roofing Limited of Stockton-on-Tees, were sentenced on two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The charges were: 

• Engaging in unfair commercial practice in failing to provide the consumer, with any written quotation, receipt or information about guarantees or aftersales rights in relation to roof repair works thereby preventing her from properly considering, verifying or comparing the offer or seeking independent advice contrary to the requirement of professional diligence,
• And falsely stating a product is available at a particular price for a very limited period of time

Mr Varey was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment (immediate) and was ordered to pay £1,190 to the victim. The company was also fined £10 for each offence.

In sentencing, HHJ Byrne informed Mr Varey that his actions had been thoroughly dishonest, exploitative and cynical. He had placed pressure on the victim to engage him, had done only 30 minutes work, and failed to provide the required paperwork. He indicated that culpability was high, as Mr Varey had deliberately targeted a vulnerable victim, and planning was involved, as the newspaper advert was designed to attract the elderly.

Mr Varey had a number of previous convictions involving dishonesty and offered very little in mitigation.

In the course of their investigation, Trading Standards found other complaints regarding Mr Varey's work, but the other victims were not able to provide a witness statement for use in court.

The victim subsequently had the work corrected by a local roofer, which cost £100.

Councillor Sharon Roughley, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said:

"Our Trading Standards team is dedicated to protecting consumers, putting a stop to illegal and dangerous business practices and ensuring a fair marketplace. Here, we were able to intervene when a rogue trader deliberately and maliciously targeted an elderly woman for personal gain.

"The criminals who do this know how to manipulate you. They will exploit your concerns for your home and the cost of repairs and, particularly if you're vulnerable, it can be all too easy to fall into their trap.

"We would encourage residents not to engage doorstep traders, get recommendations for reputable traders from those close to you, more than one quote for work ideally and always in writing."

Find a reputable trader

The St Helens Trader Register is operated by Trading Standards and provides consumers with a list of local businesses that they have checked for compliance with the consumer protection rules applicable to their trade. Visit it to find a reputable trader at https://sthelenstraderregister.com/

Deter and report criminals

Criminals may be deterred from approaching your property if you make it clear that they are not welcome. Consider creating a 'no cold calling' sign to put in your window or even installing a doorbell camera for extra security.

If you have been approached by a doorstep trader who has persuaded you to have work done and you believe that the work is unnecessary, overpriced or of poor quality, please report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk. They will notify your local Trading Standards team who will then contact you if enforcement action may be required.