Warning After Elderly Couple Scammed Of £2500

A warning to householders has been issued following a number of cold calling incidents in Wrexham – one of which left an elderly couple scammed out of over £2000.

Trading Standards are warning householders across Wrexham to be on their guard against cold callers offering to do work on their property. This follows a number of recent reports of cold calling and an incident where an older couple paid out nearly £2500 for work on their property which they hadn’t wanted doing, was of poor quality and was left uncompleted.

This type of crime typically begins with a cold call from a salesman or a trader knocking on the door. They may say they have noticed some loose tiles whilst on a job nearby, or they may be offering power-washing of patios, driveways and roofs, garden work or other work on the property. If the householder takes up the offer to do anything, work will usually commence within days, sometime immediately. As work progresses it is likely that further work will be identified and the price will escalate leaving the householder under tremendous pressure to know what it is best to do and many end up paying out for unnecessary, poor quality, overpriced work.

Cllr Brian Cameron said: “I don’t know how people who prey on vulnerable householders in this way sleep at night. It is a truly despicable activity and can have a devastating impact on those who have been targeted. I urge everyone in the community to look out for their more vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours. If you see anything remotely suspicious, go and check if everything is OK and if you have any concerns, seek help from the Police or Trading Standards.”

The advice from Trading Standards is to never agree to work to be done on your property by cold callers. If you think you need anything doing seek quotes from local reputable traders and get help and recommendations from your friends, family or neighbours. Don’t agree to pay money up front, avoid paying with cash and don’t keep large sums of cash in the house.

If you are cold called, politely declined an, if you are at all concerned about the motives for the call report it to Police on 101 or Trading Standards on 03454 040506. Police and Trading Standards need to know what is going on in our communities in order to be able to tackle it.

If you are feeling in anyway threatened or intimidated or under pressure to agree to work on the doorstep, go inside, shut the door and seek help from Police or Trading Standards.