Residents in the Beardwood area are being warned to be vigilant after reports of bogus workmen operating in the area. The scammers, who are driving two black vans, are targeting homeowners with an offer to power-wash their driveways. According to reports, the bogus workmen knock on doors and claim that their neighbor is having their driveway power-washed. They then offer a free patch test, which is designed to gain the homeowner’s trust. However, once the homeowner has agreed to the patch test, the scammers reveal that the full job will cost £400.
Police are urging residents to be aware of these tactics and not to fall victim to the scammers. “We have received a recent report of bogus workmen operating in the Beardwood Area,” said a police spokesperson. “The males are driving two black vans and are knocking on doors, offering to power-wash your driveway. They say that your neighbor ‘is having it done’, they offer a free patch test and then say it will cost £400 to do the rest. Please be aware of these people and do not be taken in, no matter how genuine they seem, we do not want to see residents being extorted by these bogus workers.”
The police are advising residents to be cautious of unsolicited door-to-door offers and to verify the company’s credentials before hiring them. “Legitimate companies usually don’t approach customers in this way,” said the police spokesperson. “If someone is knocking on your door offering to power-wash your driveway, be wary. Ask for the company’s name, address, and contact information. Check online reviews, ratings, and complaints to ensure they are a reputable business.”
Residents are also being warned not to fall for the “your neighbor is having it done” trick. This is a common tactic used by scammers to make their offer seem more legitimate. However, it’s important to remember that your neighbor may not have actually hired the company, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to do so either. It’s also possible that the scammers are targeting multiple homes in the same area, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and not to let your guard down.
In addition to the “your neighbor is having it done” trick, residents are also being warned not to accept a free patch test. While a free patch test may seem like a good deal, it’s often a way for scammers to get into your home and then pressure you into hiring them for the full job. Once you’ve agreed to the patch test, the scammers may try to upsell you on additional services or try to convince you to hire them for the full job. By refusing the patch test, you can avoid falling into this trap and keep your home and personal information safe.
The police are urging residents to report any suspicious activity to them immediately. If you encounter these bogus workmen, provide as much information as possible, including the license plate numbers of the vans and a description of the individuals. By reporting the incident, you can help the police track down the scammers and prevent them from targeting other residents in the area.
Residents are also being advised to take steps to protect themselves from these scammers. One way to do this is to be aware of your surroundings and to keep an eye out for suspicious activity. If you see someone or something that doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to report it to the police. You can also take steps to secure your home and personal information, such as installing security cameras or keeping your doors and windows locked.
By being aware of these tactics and taking steps to protect yourself, you can avoid being a victim of these bogus workmen and keep your community safe. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing you from falling victim to these scammers.
It’s also important to remember that these scammers are not just targeting homeowners, but also businesses and other organizations. If you’re a business owner, it’s important to be aware of these tactics and to take steps to protect your business and employees. You can do this by educating your employees on how to spot these scams and by taking steps to secure your business and personal information.
In addition to the police, there are also other organizations that can help you if you’re a victim of these scammers. For example, the Citizens Advice Bureau is a non-profit organization that provides free and impartial advice to consumers. They can help you with a range of issues, including scams and fraud. You can also contact your local trading standards office, which is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and regulations.