A warning to the public not to be duped by bogus workers who are doorstep cold calling residents offering to repair roofs and guttering has been issued by Falkirk Council and Police Scotland this week.
Trading Standards and Police Scotland are warning of doorstep criminals operating in the Falkirk Council area with the elderly and more vulnerable people are being targeted in particular.
Typically the bogus workers approach a property and claim that they are working in the area and have noticed a defect with your property – they then explain they can carry out a repair but this soon escalates into a number of repairs being required.
Correspondingly the costs increase into hundreds or in some cases, thousands of pounds.
Two properties were targeted in Grangemouth recently but it is thought that the bogus workers could easily be working in other communities across the Falkirk Council area.
Councillor Jim Blackwood, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Public Protection said: “These people don’t care about the effect they have on people after they have defrauded hundreds or thousands of pounds from their victims.
“They target the elderly and vulnerable and our aim is to make as many people aware of their behaviour so that we can ensure no one else suffers.
“We’re asking everyone to look out for their neighbours and families and ensure they follow the advice before committing to any work.”
Inspector Chris Stewart of Police Scotland's Forth Valley Division said: “Doorstep crime can affect anyone in our local communities, however elderly people are targeted in particular due to their perceived vulnerability.
“Those who commit such crimes, like bogus callers and rogue traders, are extremely convincing in how they approach and interact with potential victims and anyone can be convinced by the cover stories that these criminals give when attempting to gain access to houses.
“We know that there is a significant amount of under-reporting of this type of crime, with individuals either not aware that they have been subject to a crime, or feeling embarrassed to tell someone. Police Scotland aims to increase awareness among communities of this despicable crime and give confidence in being able to deal with those who cold-call.
If anyone has any concerns they should contact Police Scotland by telephoning 101 or 999 if they feel threatened and those responsible are still there.”
To avoid being defrauded you can follow these simple rules:
- First and foremost it is your home and you do not have to answer the door to anyone.
- Always ask for a written quote and if they won’t give you this then go no further. Tell them to leave.
- Make sure you get your right to cancel in writing and don’t let any work commence before you are completely satisfied it is necessary. You should be given 14 days cooling off unless you sign away this right.
- Don’t take their word that the repairs are needed and get further quotes from recommended traders.
- If they say the repair is an emergency then contact your home insurance company, they may be able to handle the repairs.
- Make background checks on the company. Search for the company on the internet or ask a friend or relative to help do so. Does the address check out, what about the phone numbers?
- If you are in any doubt say no.
If you have any concerns you can contact Trading Standards on 01324 504982 or Police Scotland on 101.