PEOPLE in Bromsgrove are being warned to be vigilant to rogue traders after reports of bogus workers operating in the town who conned a resident out of cash for unnecessary roof work at over-inflated prices.
Recently the police responded to a call about an incident in Kidderminster Road.
The owner had been cold-called and told work needed doing.
The person paid for works which had not taken place.
A Roofing Fraud Bromsgrove Facebook page has been set up appealing for mobile CCTV or dash cam footage following the scam which happened last Wednesday and Thursday, October 16, at a property near Sanders Park, on Kidderminster Road.
According to the post, three men were involved who committed a major fraud of thousands of pounds on an elderly couple living there.
It is believed, the trio were in a small white van that would have had a roof rack and ladders on.
Anyone with any information or footage which could help the police should call officers on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A second home in Kidderminster Road was approached but on that occasion the owner had seen warnings on social media and turned the potential scammers away.
Insp Mark Chappell said: “It’s unfortunate that not everyone who calls at the door is genuine or who they claim to be and we want the local community to be vigilant to such rogue traders.
“We would urge people to be on their guard as we don’t want them to be duped out of their money.”
He said people should not be pressured into having work done and added if work did need doing people should research what needs doing and find a reputable company to do it.
People should also get suspicious if they have to pay up front whereas it is more common practice to pay on completion.
Insp Chappell added: “Often the offenders will target elderly or vulnerable people, they can be incredibly convincing and worry them into thinking it is absolutely necessary for the work to be carried out and we would urge anyone who does have an elderly or vulnerable relative, friend or neighbour to make sure they’re aware that these people are not always as genuine as they seem.”
