B&NES Labour Councillors for Paulton, Grant Johnson and Liz Hardman, are hoping to fight back against rogue traders and scams by providing residents with advice, information and ‘No cold calling’ stickers, which have been provided by B&NES Council.

Rogue traders use a range of persuasive tactics to sell to unsuspecting and vulnerable homeowners, with Trading Standards often getting calls and referrals to assist the most vulnerable urgently. This might mean that Rogue Traders are returning in a few hours to collect payment for services or a homeowner feeling scared and not knowing what to do.

Councillor Hardman explained: “The Council has mechanisms in place to help support vulnerable residents, but some individuals feel so frightened that they sometimes might not know where to turn. Businesses and traders can be reported to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on: 0808 223 1133. Once reported, Trading Standards will always act swiftly to support those involved.”

Another issue facing residents is the increasing number of scams, with statistics showing that the average age of a victim is seventy-two, most of whom live alone.

When B&NES Trading Standards are notified of a scam victim, there are several ways to intervene.

Councillor Johnson has expressed a ‘growing concern’ at the increase in localised scams, adding: “It really is disgusting how these scammers prey on the most vulnerable in our communities, with the elderly being most at risk.

“Just recently I have been contacted by false email addresses that claim to be B&NES and Parish Councillors, when in fact it’s a scam, trying to get you to pay for things to help out someone you know very well.” He continued: “Never has it been more important to be safe online with secure passwords and I would recommend residents to never give out personal details over the phone to a cold caller.”

For more information from the Councillors, or to receive free ‘No Cold Caller’ stickers, email: [email protected] or: [email protected] or call: 07866 769 506.