Rogue traders can affect anyone, but often elderly and vulnerable people are targeted by those offering home improvement services.
Callers may offer services such as window/gutter cleaning, path and driveway repairs, roofing or building work, gardening and tree maintenance or roof moss removal and can come across as being likeable pleasant individuals but can quickly become forceful and very persuasive once they start their sales pitch.
Scare tactics about leaking gutters causing damp and roots of trees damaging foundations are often used and it can be very easy to be taken in by these individuals.
Traders have also been known to attend at houses selling household products, claiming to recently being released from prison and that their work is a part of a rehabilitation scheme. This scam is often used to find out where elderly and vulnerable people live, and the traders will then pass this information on.
The Council’s Trading Standards Team are warning residents to be extra vigilant when opening the door to cold callers, and to never agree to have work done or buy goods or services because of a doorstep call.
Residents are also encouraged to look out for vulnerable neighbours who may be at greater risk from being scammed and report any concerns to the police and Trading Standards.
Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said:
“Rogue traders and doorstep crime pose a risk, particularly to elderly and vulnerable residents in Denbighshire and so it’s important that people know what to do if they suspect that a trader who has visited their home is trading improperly.
“It is important that residents don’t fall for the scare tactics, pressure sales or price reductions, genuine callers will not mind waiting or returning after you have had time to check their information.
“We strongly encourage residents to familiarise themselves with the Council’s guidance on rogue traders and doorstep crime by visiting our designated webpage.”
To report rogue traders to Trading Standards, call the Citizens Advice Citizen Service helpline on 0808 223 1133. To contact a Welsh speaking adviser 0808 223 1144. In an emergency dial 999. Or for more information on how to avoid rogue traders visit our website.