Residents in Portsmouth are being urged to be extra vigilant following a rise in scams and rogue trading in the local area.
Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are working in partnership to protect residents from being mis-sold trading services following a rise in reports of rogue traders knocking at doors.
Alongside this, there have also been increased reports of parking-related scams on machines across the city.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Portsmouth City Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure, and Sport, said: “Rogue traders are becoming much more sophisticated in their approach to fraudulently gain money through the promise of maintenance work. As we are now seeing they are targeting multiple groups including young professionals working from home, I would strongly advise residents to take note of the Stop! Think Fraud guidance, and to be mindful of making informed decisions but asking the relevant questions before agreeing to any work”.
Acting Chief Inspector Pete Smith said, “Whilst many legitimate businesses sell products door-to-door and utilities companies may need to visit to read your meters, fraudsters may also knock on your door in an attempt to get you to part with your money, or to get into your home to steal from you.
“Individuals may pose as builders or tradesmen and encourage you to pay vast sums of money for work that is either carried out poorly, carried out when not authorised or not carried out at all.
“I would urge you to read the crime prevention advice on our website and share this with any friends, neighbours and relatives – particularly if they are elderly or have vulnerabilities.
“If you suspect a rogue trader is at your door, or if you feel intimidated or they are refusing to leave, call 999.
“If you believe you have been a victim of a crime, please report this to us.”
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