Warning to residents over rat scammers
SCAMMERS have been telling people they have a rat problem in order to gain entry to their homes.
A warning has been issued by Shared Regulatory Services – a joint partnership of services including trading standards and environmental health which covers Bridgend county borough, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Vale of Glamorgan council has confirmed a number of residents have been contacted by people pretending to be from Environmental Health or Welsh Water.
The scammers are telling people they have rats in their homes and are asking the residents for money to eliminate the problem – which does not exist.
It comes at a time of year that is particularly active for rogue traders and scammers.
The council says residents may also be told that work is required in people’s homes and gardens.
There is a chance the scammers will pretend to be someone from the council or another official body.
The council has advised residents to be cautious when answering a knock at the door or a telephone call and to not give any personal information eg bank details, passwords or PIN numbers.
Councillor Dhanisha Patel, a member of the Shared Regulatory Service Joint Committee, said: “Please be on your guard against this latest scam which we are aware is doing the rounds in South Wales. “Don’t hand over your money. “Winter is a particularly active time of year for rogue traders and scammers, so please tell family members and neighbours to hang up the phone if they are ever made to feel under pressure in any way, and turn away dodgy doorstep callers.
“Scammers’ tactics vary, but they’ll always revolve around trying to get cash off you in one way or another.”
If you have any concerns, or want to report any scams, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or South Wales Police on 101.