An 82 year old Runcorn resident has been targeted by two bogus callers who claimed to be working for the Council and offered to cut back her trees.
They asked for £1,300 in cash. The lady went to the bank and did some more shopping in town.
As she walked out of one shop, one of the the traders got out of his parked van and asked her for the money.
She reluctantly agreed to give him half, the other half to be paid after the job was done.
The trader took the money saying that he would count it out but he walked off with all of the money.
At 8 am the following morning the same rogue trader called at the lady’s house, telling her she had a rat infestation and he could get rid of them for £1,000.
He told her to go to the bank and he would return for the money.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “The man does not work for the Council. All council employees wear identity badges and they will not ask you for cash.
“If you think you have been caught out by a rogue trader please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline who will forward your details to Trading Standards.”
If you think you have rats on your property, Halton Borough Council will provide rat treatments free of charge to Halton residents.
The operatives will never ask for a payment, they wear HBC uniform, carry HBC ID and drive vans marked “Environmental Protection”. You can ask for a rat treatment by phoning the Council’s switchboard 0303 333 4300 or click the ‘Report pest issue’ button .
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06