Rogue traders target the elderly in Staffordshire
Officials are urging families to be very aware
Families across Staffordshire are being urged to be vigilant over rogue traders after reports of elderly people are being targeted by doorstep callers.
Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service has received reports where people have been approached at their front doors and told they need work carried out on their property.
Staffordshire Police are calling on people to report any incidents where they have been left feeling threatened or intimidated.
In a recent case a resident in their seventies was initially told by a trader they needed a leaking chimney fixed for the sum of £400, the job soon escalated to the replacement of the entire roof at a cost of £18,000. The resident stopped the worker after they had begun to immediately remove roof tiles and expose the wooden structure.
What to look out for:
- Rogue traders typically target older people for home repairs
- They mainly suggest roofing and guttering work
- They start off by saying there is some work needs to be done "The gutters need cleaning"
- They say if the work isn't done, it'll be an impossible job to put right
- They charge excessive amounts for the work and don't provide paperwork
- Any completed work is usually done to a very poor standard
Victoria Wilson, cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said: “This type of criminal activity that usually targets older more vulnerable residents is particularly cruel. Not only can it leave people quite shaken up but can also leave them seriously out of pocket.
Staffordshire Trading Standards have had reports recently of doorstep criminals and are asking residents to be vigilant and to report any incidents.
“Reputable builders, roofers and gardeners do not usually cold call. People needing work done on their homes should always get three quotes for the work, never pay up front and should not pay by cash. And, if anyone is unsure about the caller, they should ask them to make an appointment to come back when a friend or family member can be with them. Homeowners are also reminded to be vigilant as to which online trader matching and referral services, they leave their details on.”
Superintendent Tom Chisholm, head of neighbourhood policing at Staffordshire Police, said: “Nobody should feel threatened or intimidated in their own home and anyone who is made to feel this way by the actions of someone claiming to be providing a service should contact the force.
“Victims tend to be older and feel pressured into agreeing to the work. There have been occasions where they have been escorted to a bank to withdraw money.
“Sometimes these rogue traders are associated with wider criminal gangs and it is important that people report their concerns.”
Trading Standards officers are now warning householders to be aware:
- Never agree to work from someone who knocks at their door uninvited
- Never give money to or sign any forms for people who turn up on the doorstep
- Never open the door to strangers or allow uninvited callers into a home
- Never let somebody travel to the bank to take money out for the payment
Anyone who feels afraid or threatened by a doorstep caller should call 999. For non-urgent calls they should contact Staffordshire Police on 101.
People can get further advice by calling Consumer Direct on 0808 223 1133 or the county council’s Trading Standards team on 0300 111 8000.