Message from Neighbourhood Alert:
There are recent reports of a group of potential rogue traders in the Abbeydale and Abbeymead areas. They are up to 6 males who knock on doors and offer to clean people’s driveways and a jet washing service. They wear bright orange worksuits. They are linked with 2 vans. Residents are warned to be on the lookout for these individuals.
Message Sent By
Rogue traders are traders who “call uninvited to your home to sell goods and services but have no regard for the law. They generally target more vulnerable people”. Some rogue traders will not take no for an answer and may try to stay in your home or stand on your doorstep until you sign a contract.
Doorstep selling is a preferred approach of many rogue traders. Rogue traders target their victims and provide poor quality, unfinished and often unnecessary work.
Trading Standards advice is to:
• Never agree to have work done or part with money on your doorstep.
• Always get written quotes from at least two traders for any work.
• Always agree a price/payment arrangements along with start and finish dates in writing before any work starts.
• Remember that you don’t have to pay in full until you’re completely satisfied with the work.
If you think you have been the victim of rogue traders or any other fraud then please ring 101 or 999 if the offenders are still in the area.
Advice on protecting yourself from becoming a victim of fraud can be found here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/
Tendekai Chitiyo (Police, PCSO, Gloucester)
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