ELDERLY ARE TARGETED IN WINDOW CLEANER SCAM
11:00 - 22 June 2007
Police have warned residents to beware of entering into contracts with tradesmen, after a number of suspicious reports.
Older people seem to have been targeted in a scam in which their windows have been cleaned and they have been offered a yearly contract, for a fee.
Complaints of such behaviour have been made in Exeter, Budleigh Salterton, Tiverton, Exminster and Ottery.
Det Con Pete Boorn at Exmouth police station said: "Scams like this are becoming far too commonplace and often target the vulnerable.
"Both the police and trading standards view these matters very seriously and will take formal action against those involved.
"If you are asked to sign a contract in your home for services like gardening or window cleaning and pay up front you may find that the contract isn't honoured and you have paid for services you will not receive.
"The advice from police and trading standards officers is always be wary of unexpected callers at your door."
Paul Thomas, head of Devon County Council's Trading Standards Service, said: "When a trader cold-calls and enters into a contract for more than £35 the consumer is entitled to a seven-day cooling-off period."
If customers believe they have been a victim of this or any other scam they are advised to ring Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 for free advice.