Three Manchester kitchen firms associated with Toni Amana Warrington have been exposed for scamming 21 customers out of more than £50,000. These businesses disappeared after taking large deposits without installing a single kitchen.
On 4 February, the High Court ordered the closure of Smart Choice Kitchens Limited, Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms Limited, and Connect Kitchens Limited in a significant fraud case.
The Insolvency Service investigation revealed a sophisticated scam. Customers found these companies through Facebook and Google advertisements, paid upfront, and were then left with empty promises and no kitchens.
Director Toni Amana Warrington established a series of shell companies between November 2022 and July 2023. Each company collected deposits before declaring bankruptcy and closing down, only for a new company to emerge and continue the fraudulent activity.
Key facts include:
- 21 victims lost over £50,000
- No kitchens were ever installed
- Multiple fake companies used to avoid responsibility
- Customers targeted via social media ads
David Hope, Chief Investigator, stated: “These firms were simply taking money for kitchens they never planned to deliver.”
Industry watchdogs advise consumers to be vigilant by:
- Checking company details on Companies House
- Insisting on signed, detailed contracts
- Using traceable, secure payment methods
- Reading reviews and conducting thorough research
Action Fraud experts recommend:
- Never paying full deposits upfront
- Verifying business registration to avoid fly-by-night operators
- Using credit card payments to benefit from fraud protections
- Requesting written quotes before making payments
The Official Receiver is now the liquidator for all three companies. Anyone affected by this scam can seek assistance by contacting the Public Interest Unit at 16th Floor, 1 Westfield Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1HZ or by emailing [email protected].
This kitchen scam serves as a harsh reminder to exercise caution before handing over your hard-earned money.
Originally published by UKNIP.
