Autumn warning about home and garden rogue traders
Friday, 8th October 2010.
Following an increase in the number of cold calling related incidents in the county, Suffolk Trading Standards would like to remind members of the community to remain extra vigilant when answering their door to traders and salespeople.
Suffolk Trading Standards would like to highlight two specific incidents:
There have been a number of reports involving a home improvement business that operates by cold calling elderly and vulnerable consumers. This company offers to clean guttering for a low price and proceeds to find other work which inflates the cost by hundreds, and often, thousands of pounds.
Numerous incidents have been reported in Sudbury and the surrounding area, but this company, and others like them, are likely to be operating across the county.
An investigation is also underway following an incident involving a tree care company that pressured a vulnerable consumer into having garden work carried out which, again, was completed to a very poor standard. T
his particular trader is described as white, approximately 5ft 4in tall, with dark hair. He drives a white transit-style pick-up truck with black mesh sides at the rear.
Mark Skillin, principal trading standards officer, said: “As the winter months draw closer, elderly and vulnerable members of the community begin to worry about the effects of cold weather on their homes. Rogue traders are often ready to jump in and take advantage of this situation.
"If you are looking to have work carried out, please consider using a Suffolk Trusted Trader - for further details about the scheme, which is operated by Suffolk Trading Standards, or to look for a trader near you visit www.suffolktrustedtrader.com, email tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk or call 01473 264859.”
If you believe you have been approached by either of the two traders mentioned and feel your area is being targeted, please contact Suffolk Trading Standards who are setting up No Cold Calling Zones around the county.
If you feel threatened by a trader or salesperson on your property, you should lock the doors and phone 999 immediately.
Suffolk Trading Standards would like to highlight two specific incidents:
There have been a number of reports involving a home improvement business that operates by cold calling elderly and vulnerable consumers. This company offers to clean guttering for a low price and proceeds to find other work which inflates the cost by hundreds, and often, thousands of pounds.
Numerous incidents have been reported in Sudbury and the surrounding area, but this company, and others like them, are likely to be operating across the county.
An investigation is also underway following an incident involving a tree care company that pressured a vulnerable consumer into having garden work carried out which, again, was completed to a very poor standard. T
his particular trader is described as white, approximately 5ft 4in tall, with dark hair. He drives a white transit-style pick-up truck with black mesh sides at the rear.
Mark Skillin, principal trading standards officer, said: “As the winter months draw closer, elderly and vulnerable members of the community begin to worry about the effects of cold weather on their homes. Rogue traders are often ready to jump in and take advantage of this situation.
"If you are looking to have work carried out, please consider using a Suffolk Trusted Trader - for further details about the scheme, which is operated by Suffolk Trading Standards, or to look for a trader near you visit www.suffolktrustedtrader.com, email tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk or call 01473 264859.”
If you believe you have been approached by either of the two traders mentioned and feel your area is being targeted, please contact Suffolk Trading Standards who are setting up No Cold Calling Zones around the county.
If you feel threatened by a trader or salesperson on your property, you should lock the doors and phone 999 immediately.
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