Kitchen fraudster successfully prosecuted

A rogue trader has been successfully prosecuted following enforcement action by Blackpool Council’s Trading Standards team under The Fraud Act 2006.

Adam Campbell, age 38 of 12 Wyre Grove, Blackpool, trading as TC Plumbing and Heating pleaded guilty on November 11, 2025 to fraud for taking a customer’s money and not providing a service. On the 16 December 2025 he was sentenced at Lancaster Magistrates Court.

Mr Campbell had been instructed by a customer to carry out home improvements including the supply and installation of a new kitchen.

He had stated that the entire project would take approximately 3-4 weeks and the customer was asked to make a payment of £3,365.

Numerous promises were made over several months regarding the work starting but the kitchen was never supplied. He offered to refund the money but failed to make good on his promises.

Blackpool Council’s Trading Standards team were contacted by the victim of his fraud and took action. Mr Campbell was offered numerous opportunities to engage with the team but chose to ignore them but their investigations led to his prosecution.

Mr Campbell was sentenced to nine months custody suspended for 24 months, 200 hours unpaid work and £1000 compensation.

District Judge Thompson remarked: “You strung him along. Took his money and used it for your own selfish purposes.”

John Blackledge, Blackpool Council Director of Community and Environmental Services, said: “We want to send out a clear message that action will be taken to support and safeguard our residents from the unlawful activities of rogue traders.

“We have zero tolerance for despicable and illegal business practices and they will be tackled to avoid any financial or emotional impact on victims.”

Blackpool Council’s Trading Standards team enforce a wide range of legislation aimed at protecting consumers or regulating the way businesses conduct themselves. The team works to prevent illegal trading practices, doorstep crime and the sale of unsafe or counterfeit goods.

Don’t become a victim of rogue traders - Blackpool Council Trading Standards’ basic advice

• Don’t engage with cold callers at your door
• Never pay large sums of money up front
• Get a written contract with full contact details/timescales and try to obtain more than one quote
• If you are looking for a trader, Trading Standards recommend seeking someone from a council approved scheme, such as Blackpool Council’s Safe and Secure Directory. Directory tradespersons have been vetted and abide by a code of practice.

To request a copy or discuss your concerns about a rogue trader please call 01253 478375 or email tradingstandards@blackpool.gov.uk