A Nuneaton man, operating as a roofer, employed doorstep calls to target elderly and vulnerable people. He charged thousands of pounds for work that often did not need carrying out, offering inexpensive “Quick fixes” and then informing the householder he had “Discovered” further problems”, sometimes charging thousands of pounds. On one occasion, he charged £4,000, for work that an expert surveyor found should have cost no more than £760. The work he carried out then required further repairs costing another £750.
After being arrested in May 2018, the offender has now been jailed, following a successful prosecution by Trading Standards. He was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison this month, after pleading guilty to 34 counts of fraud and consumer protection offences. He also received a Criminal Behaviour Order, banning him from cold calling for five years on his release from prison.
Warning – these ‘tradesmen’ can be very persuasive, convincing and threatening. Please do not buy from doorstep callers.
Reports to trading standards can be made via the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 and to the police on 101 or on 999 in urgent situations.
After being arrested in May 2018, the offender has now been jailed, following a successful prosecution by Trading Standards. He was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison this month, after pleading guilty to 34 counts of fraud and consumer protection offences. He also received a Criminal Behaviour Order, banning him from cold calling for five years on his release from prison.
Warning – these ‘tradesmen’ can be very persuasive, convincing and threatening. Please do not buy from doorstep callers.
Reports to trading standards can be made via the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 and to the police on 101 or on 999 in urgent situations.