With household budgets stretched by rising livings costs, consumers are being warned to be on their guard against scammers offering deals that are too good to be true.
Many rogue traders have adapted to operate online by creating fake profiles to target consumers with their fraudulent services. Criminals often approach their victims when they are likely to be in a more vulnerable state, such as following a bereavement or simply when in a rush. They may also take advantage of people entering a marketplace for the first time, such as homeowners with no prior experience of roofing repairs or home extensions.
Common tactics include:
- Charging the victim an extortionate rate for the work or goods
- Damaging the victim’s property deliberately in order to get money
- The quality of the work can often be poor, take longer than necessary, or never be completed in full
- They may sometimes pose as utilities officials or doorstep salespeople
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive councillor for safer communities, said: “There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself against scammers. Firstly, always do your research and, where possible, look for trade associations. Secondly, don’t let yourself be rushed into making a decision. If you are being offered something that seems too good to be true, it often is. You can find further advice at support online at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/doorstepcrime.”
If you wish to report a scam or online fraud, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.