R20k deposit paid and they disappear with the cash

We initiated our building project by commencing with quotations for a ceiling. We were referred by Nico Els of Kempton Park to Lourens de Bruyn, who had 'installed 100's of ceilings'. We obtained comparative quotes and decided upon this individual and his business as he came across knowledgable, sincere and came with sound references. <br> <br> We paid a R20k deposit to the individual and his business for the installation of a PVC ceiling. The next 3 months can only be described as a web of lies and deceit. Essentially we received around 3 full days of work over a 2 month period and when it came to delivering the ceiling boards they simply never arrived. <br> <br> The next 6 weeks of chasing was met with the following stark note that eventually arrived from Mr. Lourens de Bruyn. <br> <br> 'Please understand that we have gone through terrible financial setbacks the last few months that we could not have anticipated and at this stage we are struggling to keep head above water as it is. Although our financial woes is not your problem or concern it does unfortunately affect the timeframe in which we can repay your deposit'<br> <br> They essentially stole our deposit knowing they intended to never complete the work.