Fraudsters Scammed Vulnerable Homeowners Across Surrey, Essex and London
Between February and September 2019, crooked doorstep con artists preyed on elderly and vulnerable homeowners. They forced victims into coughing up huge sums for fake or shoddy building jobs. Scammers claimed urgent repairs were needed, demanding deposits for cranes and scaffolding that never showed up.
Their identities remained a mystery despite extensive manhunts. But police cracked the money laundering network behind the scenes. At the heart of the operation was 54-year-old Lee Cross from Romford. Cross ran multiple business accounts under aliases like A-Z Repairs, knowingly channelling millions in dirty money through rapid transfers and big cash withdrawals.
Lee Cross and Crew Found Guilty in Guildford Crown Court
On 13 November 2025, Lee Cross and three accomplices were convicted of laundering more than £500,000 linked to these doorstep scams. One victim was conned with a fake “up and over” scaffolding job priced at £8,000. Crooks posing as “Andy Dorson” from A-Z Repairs badgered the victim with calls and emails. Voice and digital forensics proved “Dorson” was actually Cross.
The prosecution presented evidence from seven households, covering 20 fraud and money laundering charges from these con jobs.
Jury Delivers Verdict After Month-long Trial
The 28-day trial (Sept 22 – Nov 13) ended with the jury handing down the following verdicts:
- Lee Cross, 54, Romford – Guilty on all major money laundering and fraud charges.
- Sorisa Richardson, 45, Romford – Guilty on one count.
- Zoe Hoskyn, 40, Hornchurch – Guilty on five counts.
- Pauline Walker, 70, Romford – Guilty on four counts, not guilty on one.
- Lewis Richardson, 25, Romford & Richard Griffiths, 40, Romford – Not guilty on all counts.
Another suspect, Jason Walker, 35 from Blackburn, skipped the first hearing and will face separate proceedings. Lee Cross remains behind bars awaiting sentencing in February.
Officials Pledge to Crack Down on Doorstep Fraud
“Doorstep fraudsters target the most vulnerable in our communities. These prosecutions send a clear message, and we will continue to go after anyone profiting from such crimes and protect residents,” said Kevin Deanus, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Cabinet Member.
“Thanks to the dedicated Trading Standards team, our strong partnerships have led to this successful prosecution.”
Stay Safe: Tips to Avoid Doorstep Scams
- Don’t feel pressured to talk to unexpected callers.
- If you engage, never agree to work on the spot.
- If you accept a job, get a written notice explaining your 14-day cooling-off right.
- Always get multiple quotes before deciding.
- Never pay cash on the doorstep.
