Latest scam warnings

A spate of recent reports of scams and attempted deception in Worcestershire has led consumer protection officials to warn residents to be wary.

Unsolicited emails and telephone calls from fraudsters falsely claiming to be bank officials, council officials or government-backed debt advice services, and of door-to-door contractors claiming to be ‘council-approved’, have come in to the team at Worcestershire Regulatory Services.

Any calls claiming to be from the local council and offering a tax rebate, in which they ask for personal banking details, will be fraudulent. Many of these frauds are run by organised criminals working overseas who want to steal from bank accounts.

Calls claiming to offer ‘debt advice’ - that can be accessed completely free - for excessive amounts of money should also be treated with caution. Legitimate, independent, and completely free help and advice with debts is available from the National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 and the Citizens Advice Bureau on 08454 04 05 06.

Door-to-door callers offering driveway improvements or tree cutting services that claim they are ‘council approved’ contractors are also misleading customers. Councils do not endorse contractors.

And there has even been a report of a salesman calling unsolicited offering beds for sale.

Residents are advised to always use legitimate contractors as found on Worcestershire Regulatory Services’ Trader Register at www.traderregister.org.uk/worcestershire. It cannot be guaranteed that products sold unsolicited door-to-door are safe and described correctly, and if you have any problems with your purchase it is also unlikely that a trader of this nature will be contactable to provide redress.

Head of Regulatory Services Steve Jorden said: “Be wary of any unknown callers to your door and of any unsolicited telephone calls and emails. If you are unsure about a caller and need advice, or want to report suspicious activity, you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.

“If you need work carrying out on your home try to obtain a number of quotations using the Worcestershire Trader Register to find a reliable local trader. In this way you will not be rushed or pressured into making a decision which you may later regret. And for any contract that you agree in your home, you are entitled by law to a seven day cooling off period. This must be issued to you in writing by the trader or sales person.”