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Warning that spring brings out the rogue traders
13/04/2023
Last year in Oxfordshire at least £659,000 was lost to criminals due to scams, doorstep crimes and other frauds
Be wary of cold callers or leaflets offering to undertake garden clearances, tree cutting and work to roofs and gutters – that’s the warning from Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team now spring is here. 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 needed.
Each year there is an increase in the number of offers to assist with gardening as the growing season gets underway.
In the last year, the trading standards team saved or recovered over £220,000 for scam victims and those affected by doorstep crime and other frauds in Oxfordshire. Sadly, that’s only the tip of the iceberg – the team are aware of at least £659,000 that was handed over to people committing these crimes.
Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Head of Trading Standards, said: “Through intervening in doorstep crime incidents, working with partners such as the police and pursuing criminals through the courts, we have been able to save Oxfordshire residents a huge sum of money.
“However, we know that a much greater amount has sadly been lost, at a time when money is particularly tight. Such crimes can also lead to a sense of shame, embarrassment, and isolation, which offenders look to take advantage of.”
Trading Standards suggest we don’t agree to any work from an unsolicited cold call and we should be wary of any suggestions of urgency to jobs. Their advice is to always stop and think before parting with money or information and also to get a number of detailed written quotes, including full contact details, when work does need to be completed.
To report a rogue trader to trading standards, contact the Citizens Advice national consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit their website.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam