Residents are being warned by Bath & North East Somerset Council to beware of doorstep sellers following three approaches by suspected rogue traders last Friday.
Residents in Bathampton and Cleveland Walk have been approached by tradesmen claiming to be checking double glazing and roofing on behalf of the council.
Another elderly resident was called and someone asked to arrange to come to her house to check the property.
Robin Wood, Senior Trading Standards Officer for Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Trading standards is urging residents to remain vigilant at all times.
“The Council does not cold call people in this way. Please do not allow unexpected callers claiming to be officials into your home without first checking that they are genuine.
“You can check the validity of the caller by contacting the organisation they claim to be from but remember, never use any number they provide to check authenticity.
“If you have any doubts at all don’t allow access and contact the police immediately on 101 to report the incident. Please share this advice with friends, relatives and neighbours and anyone you know who may be vulnerable.”
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The most frequently complained about incident typically arises from a householder receiving an unsolicited visit from a workman offering to carry out repair or maintenance work.
“The caller may tell the householder that repairs are needed urgently and that structural damage may result if work is not done there and then.
“Householders can feel pressured into agreeing to have work done. The cost of the work frequently increases considerably from the original estimate and the work is often poorly done or incomplete.
“It can cost householders thousands of pounds to have the damage put right.
“Bath & North East Somerset Council’s advice is never to agree to work on the doorstep. If you think that work is needed to your property get quotes from two or three traders and compare them.
“Ask for references and check the trader out by speaking to their previous customers. Bath & North East Somerset Council operates a Buy With Confidence Scheme where you can find traders you can trust.
“All the businesses on this scheme have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way. “
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team has produced door stickers for residents to display stating that they do not buy from doorstep callers.
Residents can obtain a sticker or a copy of the Buy With Confidence Directory by phoning 01225 396753.
If you or a neighbour or relative is approached by a cold caller and you are concerned please call the national Trading Standards hotline for advice on 08454 040506.
You can also report any suspicious vehicles you have spotted in your area if you think they are being used by workmen targeting houses or bungalows in areas predominately inhabited by older or vulnerable residents.
