Rogue traders are posing as roofing companies to try and scam Portsmouth residents, city council warns
The city council has noticed a rise in the number of rogue traders - many of whom are cold calling on our doorsteps.
Rogue traders have been targeting people in Portsmouth - and are posing as roofing companies, according to reports.
There has been a reported rise in cold callers turning up on people’s doorsteps across the city, with Trading Standards believing that these are not from legitimate businesses. Now, an invesigation is underway to try and figure out who is behind this, and anyone with evidence is being urged to get in touch.
Posting on social media, a spokesperson for Portsmouth Trading Standards said: “Please be vigilant as we have had multiple reports of cold callers knocking doors within the city offering to undertake roofing works.
“Based on the reports received, we are of the view that the people calling are not legitimate roofing businesses.
“Please share with friends, family, and neighbours and if you receive a knock at your door from people telling you there is a hole in your roof, loose tiles, or they have seen birds nests please report it to us so we can build intelligence and identify the persons involved.”
Trading Standards is looking to collect evidence on those who could be rogue traders in disguise. They have asked Portsmouth residents to send them descriptions of people who are knocking on their door, plus vehicle details and registrations, and even doorbell camera footage if it’s available.
A spokesperson for Portsmouth City Council added: “We're urging people to stay vigilant, and not to agree to work on the doorstep or let anyone into your home, but to pause and check that the company are who they say they are, and to always get at least three quotes from legitimate businesses.
“We're asking residents to report suspicious activity to us, such as descriptions of people door knocking or carrying out work, doorbell footage and vehicle registrations, by emailing [email protected] - the email can be used to request free 'no cold call' door stickers.
“Anyone who believes they've been scammed should call their bank to stop payment and report incidences of scams or fraud to Report Fraud on 0800 123 2040.”