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Dear Resident We have had 2 reports of a white Nissan Primastar panel van going around Willenhall. Males have been targeting elderly residents. The males are knocking on doors, stating that the roof is damaged. Money has been given and damage has been caused to property. The males are sending the elderly to the bank to withdraw large sums of money. If this happens, please notify the bank staff who will then contact the Police. Bogus rogue traders are actively targeting residents in Willenhall with high-pressure, fraudulent home repair scams. These criminals often target the elderly and vulnerable, posing as council staff, utility workers, or tradespeople offering "cheap" services. Current Tactics & Warnings (2025–2026) Impersonation: Fraudsters pose as council or water board officials to gain entry to homes, often claiming urgent, non-existent repairs are needed."Loose Tile" Scam: Reports warn of callers claiming to notice broken roof tiles, offering to fix them for a small fee, which then escalates to thousands of pounds.Driveway Scam: Criminals offer quick tarmac jobs, often using "leftover materials" from another job, which are actually poor quality or non-existent.Aggressive Tactics: They may refuse to leave, demand cash up front, or drive victims to the bank to withdraw money.Counterfeit Goods: Raids in the region have found large quantities of illegal tobacco and counterfeit products concealed in hidden compartments, say Sandwell Trading Standards. How to Protect Yourself Never agree to work on the doorstep, no matter how attractive the price.Use Nominated Neighbour schemes to have a trusted person check on callers.Verify Identification: Always ask for ID and call the company directly using a number from their official website, not one given by the caller.Get Written Quotes: Obtain at least three quotes from reputable firms for any work. Reporting Rogue Traders Immediate Danger: If a trader is aggressive or refuses to leave, dial 999.Suspicious Activity: Report to the police via 101 or through the WMnow site.Non-Emergency Reporting: Contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service at 0808 223 1133 to report to Trading Standards.PCSO Mulla 30509 Willenhall Police |