To help prevent people being caught out by scams, Bedford Borough Council is hosting a two day ‘Rogue Trader Prevention Surgery’ which will take place on Midland Road (outside ‘Next’) on Wednesday 13 April from 11am-1pm, and again on Thursday 14 April from 11am – 1pm.
Officers from Bedford Borough Council’s Regulatory Services team will be on hand at the surgeries to talk to people face-to-face about any concerns they may have and respond to questions. Anyone can drop-in to receive useful information and advice to protect themselves, their friends and their family from becoming victims of scams.
Cllr Colleen Atkins, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services said: “Rogue traders usually target vulnerable members of our community in an attempt to try and scam them to gain money and belongings by deception. I would urge anybody with concerns, or who requires advice, to use the drop-in sessions to ask questions and feel more empowered and secure in their homes. Being a victim can have long-lasting effect and we want to help prevent that.”
Doorstep rogue traders often pretend to be builders, gardeners or handymen offering to carry out work or ‘urgent’ repairs to your house or garden. The work is often poor, unnecessary and the price quoted can increase rapidly. The best advice is not to deal with anyone on your doorstep who turns up uninvited.
For advice on possible Rogue Traders, or related scams, please call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or Contact Regulatory Services at Bedford Borough Council on 01234 718099.
