LOCAL residents have been urged to be vigilant after reports of possible ‘rogue traders’ visiting homes were made to police.
In a statement, the PSNI confirmed that they were contacted on Friday about a possible scam in the Ballyward area, after “a man reportedly agreed to do some work and then completed extra work that was not approved and tried to charge more money for this”. A similar report had been received on Saturday 18 July, and, again, “work had been completed without permission and then payment demanded”.
Inspector Hardy said that police are “asking people to be vigilant and to report any strangers offering unsolicited services or trying to gain access to homes”. “This could involve offers to clean driveways, repair roofs or other maintenance or repair work,” he continued. “Whilst not all unexpected callers are rogue traders or fraudsters, those who are intent on committing crime will employ any tactic to engage you and get you to lower your guard. “If someone calls to your home offering a service you have not sought out or making enquiries about work you may need done – or they say you need done – trust your gut. “If something feels off, then it usually is.”
The inspector added that “our advice is to never let a stranger into your home, do not make any advance payments, and definitely report anyone or anything that raises your suspicions”. “The sooner information is reported, even if it’s on behalf of someone else like an older relative or friend, the better our chances are of catching a potential criminal,” he concluded. “This is also a good way to help us spot potential patterns and implement patrolling to deter criminals and reduce crimes of this nature in the local area.”
The PSNI has advised anyone who has been a victim of a fraud or scam to report it to them online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or to call 101.
It also stated that this should be reported to the victim’s bank immediately, online at www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Suspected fraudulent texts can be forwarded to 7726.
Visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page (@scamwiseni) for further information and advice.
