Warning after rogue roofer targets elderly person

An elderly person almost lost £2,500 after a rogue trader claimed work was needed on their roof, a Trading Standards officer has warned.

Suffolk Trading Standards was alerted to the incident that targeted an Ipswich resident just before the festive period.

Sasha Watson, a community engagement officer at Suffolk Trading Standards, said they were able to intervene after concerns were raised by the resident's family.

She added that there was a "heightened risk" of rogue traders like this following periods of bad weather.

"The trader discussed roofing work... they agreed a contract for £2,500 and said that they would be turning up this week for scaffolding to be put up and roofing work to be completed," Ms Watson explained of the incident to BBC Radio Suffolk.

"Thankfully because the relatives have been involved and managed to get in touch with us we have put things in place to prevent the trader from returning."

The contract has been transferred to Suffolk Trading Standards, which means if the trader pursues the contract they would have to deal with the body's officers.

However as it was an illegal contract, they would not be able to seek any of the money, according to Ms Watson.

She warned people that rogue traders often make use of bad weather to target the vulnerable.

"High winds, strong rain that we've had, it might not cause damage, but the rogue traders will use that to their benefit saying things like, 'You have got tiles missing, damage to your garden'," she continued.

"Maybe there are fences that have fallen down, things like that.

"So when we know we have those storm warnings coming up, check around your home, check around your garden, make sure everything is OK and safe."

She urged people to remind neighbours of rogue traders and said if there was any damage to homes people should make use of the Suffolk Trusted Trader directory which includes approved traders.

She also encouraged getting numerous quotes and not paying until the work was completed.

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