Watch out for scams (From Salisbury Journal)

Watch out for scams

2:32pm Monday 19th December 2011 in News By Morwenna Blake

PEOPLE are being urged to take extra care after an increase in reported doorstep crime.

Wiltshire Council’s trading standards team are advising people not to open the door to callers who are not expected.

Relatives and neighbours are also being asked to help support elderly people at this time of year as many can become quite isolated during the busy Christmas period.

The council’s senior public protection officer Sue Wilkin said: “People who cold call and offer to do work on your doorstep are rarely legitimate traders. They are often incapable of doing good work and will charge a lot of money, sometimes even damaging property as well. “These people can become intimidating if people refuse to pay more after the job is done and it is much wiser not to engage in conversation at all. We are telling people to just close the door as it’s their doorstep.”

People are also being warned to be aware of bogus telephone calls offering discounts on bills, payment protection insurance claims and lottery wins. A good indication of a scam is asking for a person’s bank details or payments over the phone before they actually know whether the service will be carried out.

Any resident thinking of having work carried out should get in touch with Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 to take advice before agreeing to anything. Consumer Direct can also offer advice on how to avoid being scammed.

AgeUK Wiltshire operates a registered traders scheme which can supply details of traders who have been checked out by trading standards. Details are available at ageuk.org.uk/wiltshire or on 01380 727767.