How a home renovation turned into a nightmare
The Maurstad family’s plan to upgrade a hillside cabin near Drøbak became a nightmare of delays, excuses, and financial strain. In July, Se og Hør reported on how the couple—Scott Molvær Maurstad (37) and Pernille Molvær Maurstad (33)—were drawn into an apparently trustworthy project through the online platform Mitt anbud. They believed they were hiring a skilled carpenter who could help transform a cottage by Hallangen in Frogn into a livable space for their growing family.
The project began with typical promises and a contract, and the couple paid roughly 300,000 NOK in advance to cover the builder’s costs. What followed were a string of postponements and emotional maneuvers that made it clear something was wrong. The carpenter claimed illness, threw in stories of corona, and even showed pictures of a newborn baby to gain sympathy. Weeks stretched into months, yet the work progressed little—a pattern eventually confirmed by the couple when they realized they had been duped.
As the situation spiraled, the swindler intensified his tactics. He visited the Maurstads’ home in Oslo, spoke about his personal troubles, and asked for additional funds under the pretext of needing money for treatment and ongoing crises. Instead of delivering on the work, he manipulated the situation to extract more cash, then offered vague assurances that the project would resume “soon.”
Despite the growing concerns, the Maurstads held onto the contract, hoping for a professional finish and a sense of security. The situation came to a head when the couple demanded a refund of the money already paid; the carpenter agreed to continue only if the couple would loan him more money. This, too, proved to be a ruse. Eventually the truth emerged that the individual was not merely slow but deceitful, preying on a family’s trust and generosity.
The courtroom verdict and what it means
On 9 September, the Søndre Østfold tingrett delivered its ruling in the case. The carpenter was convicted of aggravated fraud along with eight additional counts of fraud. In a separate but related outcome, he received an additional sentence of eleven months in January 2025 for prior similar offenses. In total, the court ordered him to pay 311,799 NOK in damages to the Maurstad family. The verdict marked a formal reckoning for a crime that had disrupted a family’s sense of safety and financial stability.
Scott and Pernille, who married in 2023 and welcomed their daughter Ellinor in April of this year, spoke about the outcome. They told Se og Hør they felt relief that justice had been served, but they also viewed the sentence as not fully reflecting the harm caused. “We’re glad he was convicted, but the punishment seems a bit light,” said Scott, who attended the proceedings with Pernille and his mother, renowned actress Mari Maurstad (68).
Mari Maurstad attended as a witness, reflecting the broader impact of fraud not only on the immediate victims but on families exposed to ongoing stress. “Norway is built on trust,” she noted, adding that the perpetrator’s calculated performance in the courtroom contrasted with the real damage done to the Maurstads and others who were swindled.
Life after the fraud: a new home and a brighter future
With the legal matters finally underway, the Maurstads have started to rebuild their life. They tied the knot in 2023 and welcomed Ellinor in April 2025. The couple has been shopping for a new home that better suits their growing family. They recently found a two‑house duplex in the Grefsen area, offering about 160 square meters of space on a single lot and close proximity to Marka’s nature trails and outdoor areas. After some renovations, they hope to move in soon and settle into a more stable family home.
Meanwhile, their Grünerløkka apartment, sized at 113 square meters, is up for sale. The plan is to secure a new mortgage that fits their needs while funding the next phase of their lives as a family. “We’re excited to create a new home that fits our growing family,” Pernille says, noting how the new property aligns with their wish for more space, safety, and a child-friendly neighborhood.
Why this case matters for homeowners
The Maurstads’ experience is a stark reminder of the risks involved in hiring professionals for home renovations. Scammers who exploit sympathy or fabricate health struggles can exploit even the most confident clients. The case underscores the importance of clear contracts, due diligence, and reporting suspicious behavior early. For listeners of the Maurstads’ podcast, “Maurstads mareritt,” the story has become a cautionary tale about ensuring trust, transparency, and accountability in every home improvement project.
What to take away
If you’re considering a major home project, verify credentials, check references, and insist on milestone-based payments. Keep a written record of all communications and documents, and don’t hesitate to involve authorities at the first signs of deceit.
