Warning Issued Over Bogus Workmen
Falkirk Council is warning that an increasing number of local householders are being ripped off by bogus workmen cold calling at houses in the area, doing shoddy work or no work at all and disappearing with their money.
The Council's Trading Standards team have been seen a sharp increase in the number of these cases recently.
Frequently workmen will knock on doors claiming to be working in the area or that they are just passing and noticed a problem. They will usually say the work is urgently needed, cause worry about the consequences of not having the work done immediately, and will use the lure of a big saving if you get it done now (e.g. claiming they have material left over from another job).
To begin with they will usually give a low quote for a small job (e.g. a few pounds to replace a broken or missing slate/tile) later claiming more work is needed and increasing the price. Householders may finish up paying thousands for poor or unfinished work.
In the most extreme cases the householders are escorted to the bank to get money to pay the workmen and repeat visits are made with residents being asked for more money each time.
Roofing is the most common cause of complaint but guttering, driveways and landscaping are all regular problems.
Cllr Charles MacDonald, Convener of Environment and Community Safety said: 'These traders can be very convincing, often targeting elderly and vulnerable people, leaving householders paying huge sums for inferior or nonexistent work.
To make them seem more credible familiar sounding business names are often used. Landline numbers (including freephone numbers) may be unobtainable or divert to a mobile telephone. It is also common for only mobile telephone numbers to be given. Addresses, if given, are frequently found to be bogus or temporary (these traders tend to move on quickly).
For advice on your rights or to report matters to Trading Standards (including failure to give cancellation rights) telephone Consumer Direct on 01324 501414.'
- Falkirk Council ( 28/11/2011 )