If this fella has been ripped off for £1500 then its disgraceful!!
If it were me, for that sort of money, I would organise a trip over here to see him in person, if he has ripped you off then im sure that a few PF members would be more than happy to accompany you on a visit to his house.
I do not know the full story but in any walk of life NOONE likes a rip-off merchant, especially on what is supposed to be a friendly and community spirited website such as this one.