Warning Over Scam Letter

Police have issued a warning about a scam letter being hand-delivered in Market Harborough, Desborough and surrounding villages.

It claims home-owners aged over-55 are entitled to £150 towards security improvements, like CCTV and alarms, as part of a government scheme.

The letter, stating a representative will visit homes, could appear genuine to some as it has the government crest on and claims to have come from the Department of Housing and Agriculture, which doesn’t even exist.

Officers from Northamptonshire Police are urging anyone who has received on to report it to the Action Fraud organisation and not let anyone into their houses claiming to be connected with the letter.

Northamptonshire County Council Trading Standards is advising consumers that this not a genuine offer, as there is no such government body as the Department of Housing and Agriculture.

A spokesman said: “Trading Standards would like to remind residents to be wary of anyone who cold-calls at your door and never let these callers into your home.

When deciding to have any work done at home or equipment installed, residents should obtain a number of quotes before making a decision. You can find Trading Standards approved traders via the Buy With Confidence approved trader scheme at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk. Genuine traders won’t rush you into agreeing to have work done and you should never pay cash up front or let the trader take you to the bank to withdraw any money.

Leicestershire Trading Standards told Hfm:

“Leicestershire Trading Standards has looked into this, and is advising consumers that it is not a genuine offer, as there is no such government body as the Department of Housing and Agriculture.

Trading Standards would like to remind residents to be wary of anyone who cold-calls at their door and not let these callers into their homes.

When deciding to have any work done at home or equipment installed, residents should obtain a number of quotes before making a decision. They shouldn’t be rushed into agreeing to any work and should never pay cash up front or let the trader take them to the bank to withdraw any money.

Consumers have a 14-day cooling-off period to cancel contracts made in their homes. If the business won’t give information about these rights, they may be a rogue trader.

If residents suspect a rogue trader, they should dial 101 and in an emergency call 999.  Rogue doorstep callers can also be reported to Trading Standards on 03454 040506 or to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service helpline on 03454 040506.”