I am writing to alert you to recent reports we have received about businesses in County Durham being targeted by unsolicited cold callers offering to provide tarmac, gravel or road planning to car parks or hard standing areas.
Businesses are told that the trader has materials leftover from a job nearby, which can be used for free or at a low cost. However, it is alleged that once the materials have been delivered, and the work carried out, the business is presented with an invoice for several thousand pounds more than what was discussed.
The trader then proceeds to make persistent demands for payment, contacting multiple people within the organisation to press for money.
Our Community Protection Team is investigating the matter, and we are urging businesses and organisations to be vigilant against unsolicited cold callers.
If you are approached by this type of trader, always do your research and obtain several quotes from different businesses.
If you think you may have fallen victim to fraud, contact the consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 and if you are threatened in anyway, contact Durham Constabulary.
You can also report the matter directly to our Community Protection Team at tradingstandards@durham.gov.uk.
Kind regards,
Joanne Waller
Head of Community Protection
Neighbourhoods and Climate Change
Email: joanne.waller@durham.gov.uk
