 Trading
Standards have had three reports from various parts of the city in relation to
unsolicited approaches to householders offering to clean the gutters for £45
cash.
In
all 3 cases, the ‘contractor’ found that more work was required at an extra
cost, but there is evidence to suggest that the extra work is either not done
at all or is not completed and the gutter cleaning is to a poor standard. It is
also reported that the men were asking for access to the house for ‘hot water’
for their buckets which is a tactic often used by those committing distraction burglaries.
No
proper paperwork is provided with excuses such as 'they do not have any left in the van but it will be brought round later ' being used. We are also aware that some residents have been left with
scraps of paper as their receipt which has a phone number scrawled on it, and the
price paid. No address details are provided.
One resident was also told that should they require a proper receipt, VAT will have to
be added making the total price more.
Trading
Standards have tried to speak to the contractor but they have refused to talk and hung up on the phone.
The
reports have come from Cannon Hill, Wyken and Lower Coundon.
Trading Standards’ advice:
- Never
agree to buy goods or services from people who unexpectedly knock on your door:
Do not be pressurised!
- Not Sure? Don’t open the door!
- Remember, anyone agreeing to a contract in
their own home costing more than £42 is legally entitled to a 14-day
cancellation period where they can change their mind. If you are not given
cancellation rights, do not sign up.
-
If you do need work on your property or
garden, use a reputable local trader recommended by friends or family or
someone who has been vetted and is part of the Age UK (Coventry) Trusted Traders Scheme. This
service is available to people of all ages living in the Coventry
area and can be contacted by phoning 024 7643 3982.
If you have any information that may help us track down these
unscrupulous cold callers or you wish to report any incidents involving a rogue
trader or doorstep crime, contact us on 03454 040506 or use our online reporting form.
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