From Julie Bailey (Police, Community Safety Officer, Fenland)
There have been some reports over the last week of persons knocking on doors offering to undertake work across Fenland. This message is a general reminder but also a request for help.
Please could I ask you to forward this on to your friends and neighbours.
Please do not employ persons knocking on your door or putting leaflets through your letter box in order to gain work. If you hadn’t been considering the work they are offering to complete you probably don’t need it! If you are considering having work carried out always use a reputable company or recommendation. Trading standards offer a scheme called “BUY WITH CONFIDENCE”, there are other companies that have members aligned to them that pay to be on their scheme the NATIONAL SECURITIES INSPECTORATE (NSI) also have members, you type in the type of company you are looking to employ and your postcode the search will cover a 50 mile radius which means you do have to scroll through for more local companies, all the companies pay to be registered and are rated Gold, Silver or Bronze, this means should you not be satisfied with the work you can go back to NSI and report.
Always obtain three quotes for any works you would like completing instruct the company that you feel offers you the best and what you want, this might not be the cheapest! Before you commit to any works being undertaken, they should provide you with a copy of the paperwork that you have signed and it should have a 14 day cooling off period in it.
This should be clearly explained to you along with any other clauses and finance terms before you sign any documentation. If the deal you are offered seems too good to be true it usually is! When arranging for work to be completed always ask what the final cost will be and get it in writing. If they subsequently change the price that you have agreed and are asking for more, contact Trading standards and the Police with the company details and where possible vehicle details Index and any sign writing on the side. If persons are knocking on your door you don’t have to open your door, always use a door chain and if you have concerns contact the police. Telephone and computer scams/sales –
DO NOT GIVE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION OUT OVER THE PHONE OR COMPUTER. DO NOT OPEN E-MAILS FROM UNKNOWN SENDER DO NOT SEND MONEY FOR STRANDED TRAVELLERS DO NOT ENTER PRIZE DRAW SENT THROUGH THE MAIL OR E-MAIL IF YOU ARE ASKED TO SEND MONEY TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE IT IS A SCAM!
If you are unsure you can always report to Trading Standards or ACTION FRAUD. Action Fraud – 0300 123 2014
Non emergency 101-
Emergency 999 –
There and you have concerns Crime stoppers anonymously 0800 555 111
