Residents warned to be on their guard following news of two recent scams

South Gloucestershire Trading Standards would like to remind local residents to be on their guard for two new scams that have been brought to their attention.    Reports have been received of an increase in possible rogue traders travelling around the district touting for scrap metal. The details of the transactions remain unclear, but residents should be wary of unexpected callers and the deals they offer. If you are in any doubt, refuse to deal with the caller.

The other scam is a telephone based scam. Local residents have received calls asking if they own a particularly well known brand of vacuum cleaner and giving the impression that the caller is from that company. If the resident confirms that they do own this brand, the caller goes on to offer a vacuum cleaner service for £24.99.   However    when they arrive to carry out this service they inflate this price considerably, sometimes claiming spare parts or further work are needed.   If you receive such a call, be cautious. You may find you do not have automatic cancellation rights in this situation and you may feel pressured to pay the extra amounts.

If you would like advice on these or any other scams or consumer issues, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

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