A conman who targeted elderly and vulnerable victims has been jailed for more than four years following an investigation by the Isle of Anglesey Trading Standards, the National Trading Standards (NTS) Wales Regional Investigation Team and Lancashire Trading Standards.
Joseph Anthony Oliver (34) of Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, who was described in court as a ‘calculating, ruthless and manipulative professional conman’, stole more than half a million pounds from his victims between January 2017 and June 2023.
Trading as LJ Property Solutions Ltd and then Windowseal Ltd, he deliberately targeted elderly homeowners who were unable to keep up the maintenance of their properties. Many of his victims were widowed, or struggled with mobility and limited vision.
He cold-called victims and manipulated them into agreeing to have work done on their homes, inflating the costs and scale of the work over subsequent visits, and failing to complete the work or conducting it to a very poor standard. Some of his activities caused additional damage to the properties, and once victims were identified, he targeted them repeatedly.
The investigation, which was funded by NTS, identified a total of 39 victims aged between 53 and 93, nine of whom were Anglesey residents. Individual victims were defrauded of between £60 & £120,000, with a total fraud value calculated in excess of £500,000.
Victims told investigating Officers that they had experienced significant stress and fear in their dealings with Oliver, and they were left feeling ashamed, embarrassed and vulnerable.
A number of the victims passed away within 12 months of being subjected to the fraud.
The Court heard that Oliver had been warned by Lancashire Trading Standards about his dishonest sales practices when he took over a company called Window Warranty Ltd in 2016. Despite that, he continued his dishonest activities under the guise of LJ Property Solutions and Windowseal Ltd.
Oliver pleaded guilty to two counts of participating in a fraudulent business under the Companies Act 2006 at Caernarfon Crown Court on 8 May 2024, and on 29 July he was sentenced to a total of four years and nine months in prison. He was also disqualified from being a company director for 10 years.
During sentencing at Mold Crown Court Judge Timothy Petts described Oliver as a man who “exploited elderly and vulnerable victims” through “appalling dishonesty”.
In a letter to the judge expressing remorse, Oliver himself described his crimes as “hideous” and “disgusting”.
Anglesey’s Public Protection portfolio holder, Councillor Nicola Roberts, said: “We welcome the conviction. Exploiting vulnerable individuals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We commend the bravery of the victims who assisted Trading Standards Officers to bring this man to justice.”
She added: “If any resident has experienced problems of this nature or has concerns about the trading practices of a particular trader, they are encouraged to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 if not for their own benefit, to help us to protect other vulnerable members of the community.”
Those who believe they may be the victims of fraudsters can also contact Action Fraud.
NTS Chair, Lord Michael Bichard, said: “Victims in this case were repeatedly bombarded with phone calls until Mr Oliver got what he wanted to line his pockets, leaving them financially and emotionally drained after their ordeal. Sadly – some are no longer with us.”
“Using aggressive and manipulative tactics to pressurise victims into parting with large sums of money for building and maintenance work they didn’t need, the defendant showed a complete disregard for the wellbeing of his victims and was clearly out to enrich himself, whatever the cost.”
“I hope today’s sentencing provides some solace for those involved, and to the family members of victims who have since passed away. Let today’s outcome serve as a reminder that this type of crime will not be tolerated.”
