Reporting Doorstep Fraud
Doorstep fraud is a crime that can catch you unawares, and rogue traders specifically target the elderly and vulnerable to get them to part with their life savings for doing little or no work in return.
The advice is simple - NEVER, EVER agree to work being done by someone who cold calls at your door. Also be suspicious of leaflets pushed through your letter-box advertising services. It is far better to take time to talk to your neighbours and friends to see if they can recommend someone who is trustworthy to give you a quote. You should also try and obtain three written quotes for any substantial works.
The image on the left shows two males who conned an elderly resident out of £30,000 in 2010. Trading Standards were contacted, and with the help of the local Neighbourhood Watch for the Ward and the Police the two males were recorded on CCTV and then arrested in the act of trying to extract more money for "drain works".
If you are suspicious about a doorstep trader then you should therefore contact Hillingdon Trading Standards who are responsible for the enforcement of a wide range of legislation governing the supply and marketing of goods and services at all levels in the marketplace.
You can visit their web page here: Hillingdon Council Trading Standards
Above all, please look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours, and if you suspect that they are the victims of rogue traders then take action by contacting Hillingdon Trading Standards.