Residents are being encouraged to be vigilant following reports of cold callers offering tree surgery and gardening work in Rainham.
Cold calling is a method often used by rogue traders hoping to catch residents off guard and put pressure on them to buy, or sign up, to goods or services on their doorstep, that they may not need.
Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Economic Growth and Regulation, covering Trading Standards, said: “Cold calling is often used by rogue traders hoping to catch residents off guard and take as much money from them as possible. If residents are offered a service that interests them, they are encouraged to take the trader’s details and speak to friends and family for advice before agreeing to anything. Residents are also encouraged to be suspicious of cold callers offering exceptionally low prices for work as the price could later increase, or the work may not be of good quality. If residents are looking to have work done to their property, we would encourage them to look for a reliable trader using Medway’s Fair Trader scheme.”
Residents can report cold callers by phoning 0808 223 1133. Medway residents can also email consumer.protection@medway.gov.uk for a free ‘Stop Cold Calling’ sticker pack.