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Avoid spring cold-caller scams
19/04/2024
At this time of year there’s an increase in sometimes dubious offers to assist with outside jobs
For many people with gardens there’s plenty of work to do to keep them looking nice over the coming months, but Oxfordshire Trading Standards is warning them to be wary of cold callers or leaflets offering to do garden clearances, tree cutting and work to roofs and gutters.
They are encouraging caution if anyone knocks on your door and offers to start work immediately, particularly if they are pushy or claim that urgent repairs are required.
Each year, springtime and the start of the growing season results in an increase in offers to assist with gardening, but the advice is “if it’s out of the blue, it’s not for you – don’t agree to work from an unsolicited, cold call.”
Other tips include avoiding so-called “alarm bell” tactics from people who claim to be working in the area and saw something needed urgent attention. Householders should stop and think before parting with money or information and for those needing work completed getting a number of detailed quotes in writing – including full contact details and a detailed breakdown of exactly what will be done – is always advisable.
For advice on consumer rights, or to make a report to trading standards, contact the Citizens Advice national consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit this website.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam