Pauline, I absolutely agree with you 100%
We too were ripped off by a so called builder (that wasn’t!)
We came here 2 yrs ago and initially viewed his property with the view to purchase, he spoke proudly that he had fully revonvated the property, he’s been here 13yrs running and advertising his own firm.
We purchased another property, within the same vicinity and was befriended by him
To cut a long story short we were seen as naive vulnerable walking wallets to a tune to date of nearly 60.000€!
He has ignored solicitors letters since realising the seriousness of his dealings in Spain have been nothing more than fraudulent...and at present he is attempting to deal with his property (that he’s moved out of) and assets whilst preparing to scarper!
Personally, I will not let this lie, investigations are ongoing in Spain and the Uk.
My advice to anyone when new here.... take your time to settle in, not everyone that smiles at you is your friend.