A Swindon pensioner has been targeted by a doorstep conman pretending to be from Trading Standards, who she gave her telephone number and name to.
Later that day she received a telephone call from another man claiming to be from Scambusters, working with Trading Standards, and who asked for her bank and savings details.
She did not give the information and contacted Trading Standards to check.
The attempted scam last week came 18 months after woman, who is in her 80s and lives in Old Town, had some block paving and patio work done by someone who knocked at her door. It cost her £4500 and was substandard.
The doorstep caller who was posing as a Trading Standards officer knew about this previous work and claimed she was owed money as she had been overcharged for it.
Cllr Colin Lovell, Swindon Borough Council cabinet member for Customer Services said: “No-one from Trading Standards or Scambusters would ever call at the door unannounced or ask for personal details over the phone.
“Fortunately in this case the intended victim realised what was going on before she handed over her bank details, but it shows how rogue traders who rip people off often pass their details to other criminals who will try to con them again.
“If residents have any doubts at all, they should simply refuse to give personal information or allow any caller into their home, even if that person appears to be from Trading Standards. They should then check with the police or the council’s Trading Standards team.”
The doorstep caller is described as being in his 30s, white, of medium height and build, and with black hair and glasses. He was wearing a green jumper with a logo on it and was carrying a clipboard. The telephone caller spoke with an Irish accent. The details have been passed to the police.
Trading Standards advice is never to have work done by anyone who knocks at the door. Reputable trades people who are vetted and approved by Trading Standards are registered with the Buy with Confidence scheme. Information is available at www.buywithconfidence.org.uk or by calling (01793) 466155.