Rogue traders

If you think you have fallen victim of a rogue trading incident please report it. 

In the event of an emergency call 999

For a non-emergency visit visit the Cambridgeshire Police website to submit an online report, or call 101.

We have had reports of rogue trading happening in our area where sadly the victims have lost significant amounts of money.

Please take note of some simple precautions to help prevent you becoming a victim, consider other family members and neighbours by passing this message on to them, ensuring we reach as many residents as possible.

• always use a door chain when answering the door to unknown and unexpected callers – only release the chain once you are certain the caller is genuine
• ring the company they claim to be from, never ring the number that the caller gives to you, look up the number in the BT phone book or call the free Directory Enquiries service on 195. if someone claims to be from a utility supplier their contact number will be on a statement or bill
• you could always call a neighbour for support – a legitimate caller will always wait, do not feel pressured to rush
• never buy from your doorstop, rogue traders often claim to be in the area and just happen to have passed your property and noticed that they could repair your roof, cut back shrubbery, chop down trees, gravel your driveway, re-point your chimney, etc. A price will be quoted before work commences, once completed the traders will over inflate their price in return for poor quality work

Rogue traders can be intimidating and threatening and, in some cases, will offer to take you to the bank if you haven’t enough cash in the house. If this happens to you - tell the cashier immediately what is happening, they will assist you.

We continue to receive reports of callers claiming to work for Anglian Water. Even if the caller appears genuine and has the logo displayed on clothing call: 0800 145 145 to check they are genuine.

• remember – keep all doors locked, even when you are at home
• do not store large amounts of cash at home
• if you require a genuine tradesperson that you can trust to complete a good standard of work for a fair price go to the Buy with confidence website