Trading standards chiefs have warned north-east residents to be vigilant after a would-be fraudster tried to con an Aberdeen woman out of thousands of pounds.
The team at Aberdeen City Council is investigating a complaint about a Bridge of Don woman who received an unsolicited visit from a con man claiming to be doing warranty work.
The man said he worked for Thermal Coatings Ltd of Glasgow – a company which is currently in liquidation.
He was invited into her home where he claimed to have found further work which would cost her £1,700.
He then insisted she go to the bank that day to withdraw the money while he waited in the house.
Quick-thinking staff at the woman’s local TSB branch advised her not to withdraw the cash and to call Trading Standards instead.
Officers accompanied her to her home but found the fraudster had fled.
Graeme Paton, team leader in Trading Standards at Aberdeen City Council, said it was not clear if the man had any connection to the firm, but warned: “Residents should be wary of such cold callers and bear in mind it is their front door and they can ask the trader to leave at any time which, legally, the trader must do.
“Although we would warn against doing so, if work is agreed in the consumer’s home following a cold call then the consumer should be provided with a written contract detailing exactly what work the trader is being contracted to carry out, along with the cost and a 14-day cancellation notice.
“Failing to give a notice of cancellation rights for contracts over £42 is an offence.”
The Trading Standards team have appealed for anyone else who might have also fallen victim to the bogus trader to come forward.
Residents can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service National Advice line on 08454 04 05 06 for more information.