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Rogue Traders in your area |
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Good afternoon
This morning it was brought to my attention that there has been incidents of unsolicited doorstep scamming by rogue traders in your area. In particular, claiming roof or driveway repairs are necessary to properties. These individuals and groups are scamming cash from victims believing repairs to their property has been necessary.
Please be vigilant and NEVER agree to work on your property from anyone that has knocked at your door with promises to fix issues you may or may not know exists.
If anyone knocks at your door with promises to fix an issue, ask them for their business card and politely ask them to leave while you make checks. See below for how to check a person and company legitimacy.
These scammers target vulnerable, elderly, disabled and busy people. The are indiscriminate and do not have a conscience when causing significant financial loss to families.
Please be extra vigilant, especially during this season when we can be more susceptible to believing problems have been spotted after inclement weather.
If you, or you know of anyone who has been approached, please contact 101 immediately. If you can get the registration number of any vehicle they may me driving, or a description of any logos, company name, clothing description or accents etc, these will be very helpful in locating the offenders. Always remember to keep yourself safe. Close the door on anyone who is persistent and REPORT IT. Ring doorbell footage or CCTV will be very useful too.
Please, always remember: while there are multiple legitimate sales people representing businesses such as energy companies, telecommunication companies and home services, it is NOT usual for a reputable building company to knock on doors touting for business.
Signs of a Roofing / Property Repair Scam (Red Flags) Unsolicited Approach: They knock on your door, claiming to have noticed a problem from the street. Urgency & Pressure: They insist work is needed immediately, claiming your property is dangerous or using high-pressure sales tactics. Cash Demands: They ask for large sums of cash upfront or offer only cash-only deals. Fabricated Damage: They might tear shingles or hit the roof with a hammer to "prove" damage. No Paperwork: Lack of written quotes, contracts, or company details. Fake Credentials: Misusing logos like Checkatrade or making up names/companies. How to Protect Yourself Never Agree to Unsolicited Offers: If they knock, don't engage; see them as potential scammers. Get Multiple Quotes: Always get at least two or three quotes from reputable, established local firms. Verify Credentials: Check their registration with Companies House, their UTR number, and Trading Standards ratings. Ask for Proof: Request proof of insurance, accreditations (like TrustMark), and references. Get It in Writing: Insist on a detailed, written quote and contract before any work starts. Report Them: Report scams to Action Fraud (the UK's fraud reporting centre) or Citizens Advice Consumer Service. Protecting Your Home Use "No Cold Calling" Signs: Displaying a "No Cold Calling" or "No Soliciting" sign can deter most salespeople. In the UK, ignoring such a sign might be considered a criminal offense under consumer protection regulations. Do Not Open the Door to Strangers: You are under no obligation to open your door to anyone you do not know or are not expecting. Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe you are being targeted by a scam or feel threatened, report the incident to the police or a consumer protection agency. How to Identify Legitimate Salespeople Ask for ID: Legitimate representatives should always carry and willingly show official company identification. Verify the Company: If you're unsure, ask for the salesperson's contact information and the company's website or phone number. Take time to do your own research and verify their claims. Be Wary of Pushy Behavior: Honest representatives should respect your decision if you're not interested and should not use high-pressure or aggressive tactics. Never Share Sensitive Information Immediately: Do not provide personal details, bank account information, or sign any contracts on the spot. Ask for written materials to review later. Look for Physical Signs: Sometimes, a legitimate company's salesperson will have a company uniform or a clearly marked vehicle nearby.
Kind regards
PCSO Annabel Allinson annabel.allinson@cleveland.police.uk | ||
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