POLICE in Alcester have issued a warning to beware of bogus traders.
It comes after an elderly homeowner paid £1,000 to a man who ‘painted’ their drive with a black substance after saying here would resurface it with tarmac.
That incident happened in Gerard Road, the man, who was driving a white van, turning up at the house and offering to do the job.
After initially painting it he was challenged by a family member and so painted it again, receiving a cheque for £1,000 for his pains.
Officers were only alert because the homeowner feared the work wasn’t up to standard and the man might come back and ask for more money.
Police say bogus traders operating door-to-door will often take advantage of poor weather conditions, including flooding and high winds, to offer their services, claiming people’s property may have been damaged.
Otherwise they say, they may try and point out ‘problems’ that don’t exist.
A police spokesperson said: “Such traders can be extremely persuasive and elderly and vulnerable people are often targeted.
“Low prices are quoted, but as the work starts the price tends to increase.
“In most cases the work is done to a very poor standard, leaving the owner facing a second bill to have the work redone properly.”
Techniques used in the sales pitch include suggesting the property, if not repaired, will be dangerous and may cause additional problems to the structure of your
home or putting a time restriction on the offer to hurry you into making a decision.
The work will normally be done immediately, before the householder changes their mind, and very often any
information provided by the workmen (names, addresses, telephone numbers) are false.
Police say:
1) Don’t be forced into making a quick decision on the doorstep.
2) Get at least three quotes from local reputable companies and if possible, seek recommendations.
3) Only deal with firms with genuine verifiable telephone numbers and addresses.
4) Anyone who signs a contract on the doorstep following a visit that was not arranged (unsolicited) has seven days to cancel it by law.
5) All cancellation rights must be provided in writing to the customer at the time the contract is agreed, usually on the doorstep – it is an offence not to do.
6) If you don’t want to speak to the trader don’t open your door to them.
7) Do not allow uninvited callers into your home.
8) Refuse to be taken to the bank to withdraw money – if you feel intimidated by them, close the door and call the police.
