North East Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards officers are warning people not to do business on their doorstep.
It comes as reports have come in of a salesman carrying out unsolicited visits to industrial units in the area, quoting small prices but then invoicing inflated amounts that run into thousands of pounds. Following any questioning of the invoice or refusal to pay, they are then believed to have displayed threatening behaviour.
Trading Standards are urging people to only use trusted and recommended services and to do their due diligence before engaging with any unwanted callers.
People in the UK are ripped off and lose hundreds and even thousands of pounds to rogue traders and con artists who make a living by deceiving others.
Scams come in all forms, from cold callers and advertisements, to emails and texts. They often target older people and other vulnerable residents.
Rogue traders defraud victims through pressure selling. Often offering substantial reductions to start the work there and then, breaching the victim’s legal rights of a cooling off period. They then escalate the price once work has started.
While cold calling is not illegal, it may be that the trader isn’t all they seem and may even be committing a criminal offence.
Residents have the right to choose if they want uninvited callers to their home.
People can report cold callers to Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Trading Standards advice if you need work carrying out:
- Get a number of quotes from traders known to you, family or friends
- Do not answer the door to traders you do not know or have not asked to visit
- Display a notice to deter cold callers
- People can report cold callers to Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Fraudsters also often use social media sites to trick people into parting with their money or personal details. Posts can include investment opportunities, to items and services for sale.
Entering into a contract with anyone on social media is not advised due to the impermanent nature of it. Anyone who has access to a phone or laptop can set up a fake name and address. The advice on checking into companies, asking for examples of work, still apply.
For more advice on this or to report a fraud, visit www.actionfraud.police.uk/
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