Bogus damp proof offers

Please be aware that there are a firm of 'cowboy' damp proofers currently targeting the county. Lancashire County Councils Trading Standards Officers believe that contact lists of potential victims are being used to telephone consumers with a ‘free damp check' being offered. 

Once contact is made a representative visits to carry out the 'check' with a damp meter, but it is the vulnerability of the customer, rather than the presence of damp, that triggers the ‘hard sell'. 

The rogue traders use a number of ploys, including bogus ‘price reduction' offers with costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds being quoted. 

Consumers throughout Lancashire are being targeted and complaints have already been received from people living in the South Ribble and Central Preston areas. One 86-year-old South Ribble resident complained about the work being conducted on her property. 

Following active intervention by Trading Standards, who arranged for a chartered building surveyor to examine the house, it was established that the work did not need doing and the workmen present were instructed to leave. No money was paid over to the trader. 

Householders are advised;

* As a general rule do not deal with door to door salesmen offering household repairs until, and unless you have checked them out. 

* Always shop around and get more than one estimate from established damp proof contactors, who have fixed premises (not just a mobile telephone number) and are willing to give local references where similar work has been satisfactory.

* Electronic damp meters are only a guide to the presence of damp.  They do not identify the cause and can be easily misused and provide false readings. 

* If you feel vulnerable in any way do not allow a salesmen or tradesmen into your home without a friend or family member being with you.  

* Never agree to have work done under pressure or to get a claimed ‘reduced' rate if you sign immediately. 

* Be highly suspicious of any company that wants to do the work immediately. 

If you receive a cold call or know of someone who has been targeted ring the Trading Standards Consumer Advice Line on 0845 600 1352.