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Stanway in Colchester

Doorstep Callers and Rogue Traders

Please protect yourself and help protect our more vulnerable residents by warning them not to allow unsolicited callers into their homes and to follow Dealing with doorstep callers advice.

Using the following and similar pretexts, cold callers are trying to gain entry to people's houses and distract them whilst they or an accomplice steals items of value.

  • ALWAYS CHECK ID of unexpected callers claiming they are from a gas, water or electricity company and need to check for leaks. If in doubt close the door and ring the company directly to check.

  • BE WARY of callers claiming you need some roof or other building repairs and don't be cajoled into agreeing work or parting with money. Use traders who you trust or have used before - Trading Standards have a Buy With Confidence scheme of approved traders.

  • SOLAR PANELS - there has been a recent increase in rogue traders mis-selling solar panels and associated maintenance contracts/warranties/battery replacements etc.

  • CAR SELLERS are warned to be on the lookout for a re-emerging scam that sees potential buyers try to knock thousands off a car’s asking price by tampering with it’s engine.

Last Updated on 20th May 2024