Warning Issued After Cold Callers Target Elderly Woman

A warning has been issued to Wrexham residents after cold callers carried out work on an elderly woman’s property without her consent.

The resident was recently cold called by a male offering to carry out guttering and fascia’s at her property. She was quoted £600 for the work, but did not agree for the work to go ahead.

She awoke the next morning to find four males carrying out the work at the property without her consent. The price then rose to £650 and they trader tried to do less work than she thought they had quoted for.

On Monday afternoon North Wales Police and Wrexham Trading Standards carried out a rapid response while the traders were carrying out work on the property.

Checks were carried out on the traders and a note was made of their identities. Should the trader fail to comply with the warning in future then they will be arrested and criminal action commenced.

The elderly lady was also provided with reassurance and advice.

Wrexham Trading Standards are reminding residents that there has been an increase in traders leafleting and cold calling in the area. Many of these traders have used high pressure sales techniques to get residents to sign up for work they did not need doing, or did not agree to.

In most cases if you agree to buy anything costing over £35 from a trader at your door, the law gives you a seven day ‘cooling off’ period to change your mind. The trader must give you a written cancellation notice if you agree to have any work done. Failure to give this notice is a criminal offence.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously or if you’ve been the victim of a rogue trader then contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506.