Warning issued over doorstep scammers

Crime on the rise says Watchdog

DOORSTEP scammers have been on the rise in recent months, warns The News consumer champion, Richard Thomson.

Homeowners have told the paper’s Streetwise column they’ve been conned out of thousands by smooth-talking con artists offering emergency repair work, clearing gutters, pressure washing roofs and driveways, and garden maintenance.

Paul Wilson from Cosham was left £850 out of pocket after two men, claiming they had just finished working in a neighbour’s garden, offered to trim the hedge around his home for £200 – but the situation quickly turned violent when they demanded £850 for just 10 minutes’ work on a small portion of the garden.

Purbrook pensioner Joyce Taylor was also swindled after she responded to an impressive looking card offering roof cleaning services. The 91-year-old was persuaded to part with £500 up front to clear moss and debris from her bungalow roof, but work stopped abruptly after tradesmen walked off the job claiming a tool had broken down and she was unable to re-contact them.

Mr Thomson is warning residents to be vigilant.

He said: ‘The scammers go to extraordinary lengths to appear legitimate, setting up professional looking websites and distributing glossy advertising leaflets.

‘Although bogus traders operate throughout the region all year round, it’s a particular problem during the autumn when conmen know vulnerable elderly people can be tempted into accepting cheap jobs around the home and garden before the onset of winter.

‘To deter doorstep scammers from calling never respond to unsolicited advertising, and ask your local trading standards office to supply a ‘ No Cold Calling’ sticker. Traders who ignore the sticker may be prosecuted for ignoring the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

‘People should never feel pressured into making on the spot decisions or agreeing for work to start straight away. They should refuse to hand over money without receiving proper paperwork and obtaining receipts.’

To inform Trading Standards about cold calling, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 and also try to obtain a name and address for the company you are reporting.

Doorstep Crime can be reported to Hampshire Police on their non-urgent number 101.