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Almost 50 farmers have now identified themselves as victims of a nationwide shed scam, as revealed in the Irish Farmers Journal last week.
It is estimated that 48 farmers have lost at least €190,000 in deposits for sheds that were either not delivered or never completed.
Steel suppliers targeted
However the scam artist has also targeted steel suppliers and shed erectors, with tens of thousands of euro owed for steel and other materials.
The Irish Association of Steel Fabricators says two steel companies it represents are owed debts of €29,000 and €15,000 each after supplying materials to the individual.
A further six steel companies claim they are owed a total of €60,000 in debts that date back some five years, according to Pat Enright, president of the Irish Association of Steel Fabricators.
Bare-faced liar
The owner of one of the businesses described the individual as “a bare-faced liar with no intention of ever paying me”, adding that he was “brazen” in his dealings with the company.
On page 32, Enright warns farmers about rogue operators and urges farmers to thoroughly check references, ask for CE certification and not to give more than a 20% deposit when purchasing a shed.
Shed erecters have also been caught out, putting up sheds for the fraudster and receiving only partial or no payment for their work.
One shed erecter told the Irish Farmers Journal he is owed around €25,000 in unpaid fees and costs incurred for multiple jobs, such as wages to employees.
More victims emerge
As more and more victims of the scam come forward daily, some have been contacted by the rogue shed supplier in recent days pledging to deliver materials or refund their money.
The scam has affected farmers and businesses throughout the country, including counties Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Mayo, Sligo, Galway, Laois and Westmeath.
The average amount lost by farmers is €4,000, but individual sums range from €1,000 to as much as €20,000.
Steel and materials suppliers have lost amounts up to €29,000 over the past five years.
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