A group of men have reportedly been posing as council officials and threatening legal action if they are not paid to cut trees in South Gloucestershire.
Avon and Somerset Police say a woman in her 90s was targeted in the latest in a series of similar offences in Downend and Mangotsfield.
Three men approached the victim at her home in Cleeve Hill at around 8am on Sunday, August 18.
A police spokesman said: "They posed as council officials and told her she would be taken to court unless she had work done on some bushes and trees in her garden.
"The victim agreed and paid them £400.
“The three men were in a white panel van and a flat-bed van. All are described as of large build."
He added that there have been similar 'rogue trader' offences in Downend and Mangotsfield recently.
What the council says
A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “We advise residents not to deal with uninvited doorstep traders.
"If you do need to get work done at home there are some simple steps you can follow to help avoid rogue traders:
• always obtain at least three written quotes – remember an estimate is a ‘best guess’ whereas a quote is the price you pay
• do not agree to anything until you are happy and have had time to think
• do not pay for work or materials in advance
• read the small print as you will be bound by these terms and conditions
• ensure you have the trader’s full name and address
• be wary of special offers or warnings about your home
• don’t hand over a cash deposit
• don’t agree to a trader starting any work straight away
• talk to someone you trust for a second opinion.
“If you or someone you know has fallen victim or been harassed by a rogue trader, report it to the Citizens Advice helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
“For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/trading-standards/.”
If anyone has information which would help the police investigation, call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5219190728.
