Residents in Chippenham, Corsham and Calne are being urged to stay vigilant after two men were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
Wiltshire Police said the suspects, both from the Bournemouth area, were arrested on Friday 9th January following multiple reports of elderly residents being targeted over alleged problems with their drain pipes.
Police say victims received unsolicited phone calls offering a “routine check” of drains beneath their properties. Engineers would then attend and claim to have found cracks in the pipes, before quoting between £2,000 and £7,000 for repairs.
The two men have since been released on bail while enquiries continue. Trading Standards has taken over the investigation.
Officers are now reminding residents, particularly older and more vulnerable people, to be cautious of unexpected approaches from traders and to seek advice before agreeing to any work.
How to protect yourself
-
Be wary of unsolicited phone calls or visits offering work for a problem you were unaware of
-
Never feel pressured into agreeing to work on the spot
-
Always obtain at least three written quotes
-
Check identification, business addresses and references — legitimate traders will allow time for checks
-
Avoid paying large sums of cash or going to the bank with someone you do not know
-
Look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours and check they are safe if something seems unusual
Police recommend checking traders through the Trading Standards-approved Buy With Confidence scheme.
Anyone who feels pressured or suspicious about doorstep traders is asked to report it by calling 101 or online. If a crime is in progress or someone is in danger, residents should always call 999.
Rogue traders can also be reported to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. Fraud prevention advice is available from Wiltshire Police’s Fraud Protection Officer, PC Becky Grist.
