Residents are being warned about bogus callers offering to carry out roofing works in the aftermath of recent storms.
Homeowners in the Connah’s Quay area have been targeted by scammers knocking on doors unannounced and telling people they have loose tiles or problems with their roofs.
The crooks say they can start work immediately in exchange for a sum of money paid upfront.
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Now Flintshire Trading Standards are warning residents to be on their guard after some handed over large sums of cash only for the trader to leave after a couple of hours having done a botched job.
A spokesperson said: “On occasions, the trader can pressure and rush the householder to agreeing to pay and hand over the money.
“Consumers have found they have paid over large sums of money, yet the trader has left after just a couple of hours and have not carried out the work agreed and what work has been done is of a very low quality and in some cases will itself require repairs.
“Remember you do not have to answer the door or let anyone in to your home and you have the right to ask them to leave. Flintshire Trading Standards advice is to not enter into contracts with anyone who cold calls on you.”
Flintshire’s cabinet member for planning and public protection, Councillor Chris Bithell, said: “It is concerning that traders such as this are misleading consumers in this way.
“The work they carry out is often of very poor quality, overpriced and in some cases, not needed. I would urge residents not to employ the services of cold callers and if approached by such a business report any details to the County’s Trading Standards Service.”
If you believe you do need repairs carrying out to your home, invite a number of traders to quote for the job and you can find reputable traders at Buy With Confidence where all traders have to be audited by their local Trading Standards service to be accepted onto the scheme. To find a trader visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.
If you are aware of a rogue trader operating in the area or think you may have fallen victim to one, you are urged to report this to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. If a rogue trader is at your premise and refuses to leave or has taken your money and is still in the area, you should call the North Wales Police on 999.
Flintshire Trading Standards can provide you with a ‘no cold calling’ sticker free of charge by contacting them on 01352 703181.
Have you been targeted by bogus callers? Let us know in the comments section below.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/finance/other/bogus-roofers-on-the-prowl-trying-to-cash-in-after-damage-caused-by-storms/ar-AATk66Z?ocid=BingNewsSearch