Don’t be duped on your doorstep
The local community is urged to be on guard against bogus callers and rogue traders.
At this time of year doorstep scammers can target individuals, particularly vulnerable people, with offers such as gardening work and property maintenance.
Councillor Dave Ledger, Northumberland County Council Deputy Leader said: “Some door step callers will be genuine honest traders, but a number of them may be unscrupulous rogue traders.
Once a rogue trader has found a victim who will pay them, they will form a habit of calling at the same house regularly, suggesting work to be done on the property, knowing that they have extracted money from them before and believing they will probably be able to do so again.
The public are being asked to help the council in safeguarding the wider community by keeping an eye on any of their vulnerable neighbours, who may be targeted by these rogue traders, and reporting any suspicious door step trading activity.
David Sayer, Business Compliance and Public Safety Unit Manager said: “If consumers do engage with doorstep traders, they should always get a full written quotation with the trader’s full name and postal address.
If you’re unsure about a doorstep trader call 03454 04 05 06 and discuss the matter with the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, before handing over any money.
Never let a trader take you to the bank or a cash point to withdraw money.
If you ever feel threatened in any way by a trader calling at your door, you should call the police immediately on 999.
If you feel that you need work carrying out at your house you should use a reliable local trader who is registered as part of the Northumberland and Tyneside Registered Trader Scheme.
Details of the scheme can be found at www.traderregister.org.uk
