A FRAUDSTER has been ordered to repay thousands of pounds after being involved in a scam that targeted elderly and vulnerable victims.

Emmanuel Scarrott, 32, formerly of Hovefields Avenue, Nevendon, was part of a fraudulent operation which scammed homeowners – in particular those who were elderly – alongside accomplice Sonny Maughan, 31, former of Brakefield Road, Gravesend.

Scarrott and Maughan told vulnerable people in Herne Bay, Longfield and Greenwich that they needed repairs to their roofs and chimneys.

But the work was in fact not needed and Maughan and Scarrott would often cause damage to the properties during their substandard work, for which they charged extortionate prices.

In a separate fraud incident, Scarrott also approached a homeowner in Lordswood and claimed to be a police officer investigating rogue traders.

He told the victim he could get a refund, but would need to pay some money up front for legal representation and VAT.

The victim's family became suspicious and contacted Kent Police, who launched an investigation.

Detectives then listened into phone calls in which the victim was pressurised overpaying more money.

Maughan and Scarrott were arrested in November 2020, later admitted conspiracy to commit fraud.

They were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court in February 2022, with Maughan being jailed for five years, and Scarrott for four years.

Following their imprisonment, Kent Police's Proceeds of Crime Team continued to investigate the pair’s finances.

This week, on October 22, Scarrott was ordered to repay £12,000, while Maughan was ordered to pay £100,000. The funds will be returned to the banks that reimbursed the victims.

Det Insp David Godfrey said: “Rogue traders like Maughan and Scarrott mercilessly prey on the elderly and vulnerable to defraud them of the savings they have earned over their lifetimes.

“We won't stop working to bring such people to justice and, as in this case, see them jailed for their crimes.

“Just as important though is that criminals are prevented from profiting from such offences, and I am pleased our financial investigators have managed to recoup a large chunk of money in this case.”