Why it matters: Vulnerable residents could be pressured into paying for unnecessary and overpriced work, with scammers currently active in the area.
The details: A trader calling himself "Bill" approached a homeowner in the Dales Road area on Friday, claiming to have spotted brick damage to their chimney.
Initially offering repairs for £20, the tradesman used a ladder to access the roof and photograph the chimney
Upon return, he claimed the damage was worse than expected and increased the price to £850
The resident refused and the trader left
What to do: Suffolk Trading Standards advises residents to:
Never agree to work from cold callers
Avoid being pressured into immediate decisions
Get quotes from 2-3 traders for any home repairs
Ask friends and family for recommendations or check Suffolk Trusted Trader
Request the full name and address of traders before considering their services
Get written quotations before work begins
Only pay once work is satisfactorily completed and avoid cash payments
Report concerns: All doorstep callers should be reported to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
The bottom line: Suffolk residents can request free "No Cold Calling" stickers by emailing trading.standards@suffolk.gov.uk with their address.
