A HOUSEHOLDER who fell prey to scammers has spoken of the ordeal which left her feeling ‘vulnerable’ and ‘anxious’.
The Warwick woman answered the door to a man claiming to be a ‘roofer’ who said he had noticed loose tiles on her roof as he worked on a neighbouring property.
The victim agreed to have the work done but it soon became clear the man and his accomplice had no clue about mending roofs.
Their claims about its dangerous state became more exaggerated and ‘wildly inflated’ quotes to put it right rocketed from £3,250 to £9,000.
When she finally challenged the duo, they became agitated but continued to scaremonger the householder with the ‘dangers’ she would face if the work was not completed.
By then the roof was badly damaged and exposed to the elements..
The resident finally called Warwickshire Trading Standards who confirmed the scammers had caused criminal damage and broken laws by not using scaffolding or providing written information or quotes.
The ‘roofers’ were ordered to leave the property.
The victim said: “The whole experience was deeply upsetting. I felt very vulnerable, anxious and embarrassed that I had been taken in by these plausible but untrustworthy and unscrupulous characters.”
But she was determined to look at the positives.
She added: “I did not hand over any money to these people. I have learnt more about how trading standards operates and a little about consumer law.
“I am now aware of a service called ‘No Rogue Traders Here’ and as a result I have a reputable roofing company lined up to make good the damage done.”
A Warwickshire Police spokesperson added: “Trust your instincts. These rogues can be persuasive and intimidating. If a similar situation occurs to you, a relative, friend or neighbour ask for help.”
Visit www.noroguetradershere.com for more information and advice.
