THURROCK Council’s trading standards team is warning people to beware scammers in the area after foiling an attempt on Thursday (28 April).
The team were told by Essex Police and Essex County Council that three men were at an address with ladders on the roof. They had told the house owner who has dementia his roof needed fixing.
All the men were white, the one talking to the vulnerable pensioner was in his mid-40s and “English” the others were described as “aged about 40”. Fortunately no money changed hands.
Two days later, on Wednesday, the team received a similar complaint where the “trader” invoiced a vulnerable adult for several hundreds of pounds for repointing a chimney stack and replacing roof tiles.
As the pensioner did not have any money they agreed to return the next day although a relative of the pensioner then informed the council’s trading standards team.
A trading standards officer attended the victim’s address in Chadwell – with the relative – where they met the “trader” who was prevented by from taking the money.
Advice from the council’s trading standards service says during spring and summer tricksters’ attempts to fool people into parting with their money increase, especially offering services ranging from chimney repointing and roof tile replacement to repairs and tree-trimming services.
The council urges residents not to deal with unwanted callers trying to sell goods or services on the doorstep or by unwanted phone calls. The advice is to say no to all unsolicited doorstep or telephone calls.
If people have an official caller on their doorstep, always ask to see Identification and if there are any doubts, ring the organisation to check that the caller is genuine.
People who have old age pensioner or otherwise vulnerable relatives should remind them of the advice from time to time.
To help combat this type of rogue trading Thurrock’s trading standards have produced a door sticker that can be placed in windows to deter cold callers. These can be received free of charge by contacting Thurrock trading standards through Citizen Advice Consumer Services on 03454 040506.
There is also a Telephone Preference Service which will register phone numbers free of charge to prevent unsolicited sales calls. To do this call 0845 070 0707 or register online at www.tpsonline.org.uk
Anybody looking for a trader should utilise the Buy With Confidence scheme which has a list of approved traders vetted and approved by trading standards to ensure they operate in a legal, honest and fair way. For details of an approved trader, go to www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
