Fraud/Rogue Trading

Agreed on April 4, 2021. Updated on 4th April, 2021

With an ageing population here in West Somerset, we have many vulnerable people who are susceptible to cold calling/fraud/scams.

If you are offered anything that sounds too good to be true, then it generally is.
Do not give out any personal details or bank details, either over the phone or by any other means.
If you need work done, e.g. gardening/painting/house repairs, always use someone who is personally recommended to you by a neighbour, family member or friend.
Try not to get work done by anyone who just knocks on your door offering services. You do not know the quality of their work or their honesty/ integrity.
Most villages have a local Community magazine that will have a directory of reputable people who can be recommended to carry out all sorts of work.
We have recently seen a spate of cold callers recognized as ‘Nottingham Knockers’. These are ex offenders who come down to rural areas as a team, selling cleaning products. They can sometimes be aggressive in their sales approach, pressuring older people to buy items on the doorstep. Do NOT feel pressured to buy, & if at all uncomfortable with their behaviour or sales attitude, call 101 to report.