A warning has been issued to ensure the elderly and vulnerable are not targeted by rogue traders in the wake of Storm Bert.

Suffolk Trading Standards says following the high winds, homes may be approached by unofficial traders offering to carry out garden and building maintenance works. 

The authority say the elderly and vulnerable are often targeted and asked to pay prices for unnecessary or poor quality work primarily on homes or garden maintenance. 

These cons can involve thousands of pounds.

Trading standards said to avoid becoming a victim of a rogue trader, these steps can be followed:

  • Never agree to have work done by somebody who is just passing or take their word that it needs to be done at all.

  • Never pay for work before it is completed.

  • Do not accept any offer from them to drive you to the bank to withdraw money.

If you do need work done it is always worth checking with your house insurance company first as in some policies there is emergency assistance support already included. 

Also, you can obtain recommendations from friends or family or visit the Trading Standards website for trading's vetted by them. 

Suffolk Trading Standards have said that rogue traders are still a concern and that every year they receive complaints from residents who have been conned on their own doorstep. 

They have also warned anyone who cares for a vulnerable or elderly person to make sure they are aware of their rights when it comes to suspect door approaches and to carefully research salespeople before inviting them into their home. 

If you are worried about any elderly or vulnerable people being targeted you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.