Police Investigate Building Firm Over Allegations of £500,000 Fraud

Sussex Police are investigating South Coast Construction (Sussex) Ltd (SCC) amid allegations that nearly 40 families were defrauded of almost £500,000 for construction work that was never performed. Thirty-seven households reportedly paid a total of £478,840 to the company for projects including loft renovations, conservatories, and home extensions.

Customers stated that SCC, which operated across Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex, and Surrey, attracted them with offers of complete design and build packages and apparent endorsements on its website. However, after paying substantial deposits, some exceeding £15,000, clients reported consistent delays in start dates and increasing difficulty in contacting the company.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police confirmed the investigation into 'a number of reports of alleged fraud' connected to the firm. The investigation was prompted after affected individuals united to seek recourse.

While 29 of the 37 households have reportedly recovered their funds through their banks, eight families have been advised that their cases are civil matters and are pursuing claims through the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

Katie Mills, 35, paid a £6,500 deposit in May for an extension for her disabled daughter. She expressed concern after an architect informed her that SCC had not paid for the drawings. Mills stated that prior to her concern, SCC had requested an additional £2,000 to £3,000. She also noted that SCC advertised itself as insured by Home Improvement Protection (HIP), which provided her with reassurance, but it appears the company was falsely claiming this accreditation.

A spokesperson for HIP confirmed that SCC was expelled from their scheme in May for a 'serious breach' of terms after advertising its membership certificate as proof of insurance, despite continuing to accept payments from new customers.

One anonymous homeowner from West Sussex paid a deposit of £15,300 on May 1 for a loft extension. He reported that the surveyor informed him she could not release the drawings because SCC had not paid her. The surveyor allegedly stated she was owed for 10 invoices from other clients and had been promised payment for three months.

This homeowner created a WhatsApp group for affected customers after fearing he had been scammed. He has since recovered his money through his bank and is now focused on assisting the remaining individuals who have not yet received refunds.

In a statement, SCC director Brandon Harris-Lee, 23, denied deliberate scamming, citing significant project issues including subcontractor disputes, delays, and cost overruns. He explained that the company was attempting to fund and complete projects that had exceeded budget while generating income from ongoing and future work. Harris-Lee acknowledged that certain bills and fees were not paid as the company's financial situation deteriorated.

A government spokesperson commented that the government is taking action against