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Bogus builder scam

Residents are being warned about bogus builders who are significantly increasing their bill once the work is underway.

Terraced Houses

The warning has been released by Surrey Police after a couple were targeted by two builders who offered to charge £250 to do some rendering work on the outside of their house.

Two different builders returned the next day to do the work, but neither of them had brought any tools, instead borrowing some from the homeowners.

After starting the work, the builders then said that the cost had increased to £6,500, becoming aggressive and forceful when challenged by the occupants.

Protect yourself from bogus tradesmen

While door-to-door selling is a legitimate sales practice used by companies, always be wary of anyone knocking on your door offering to sell you something, especially if the price seems too good to be true. If the seller is legitimate they won’t mind giving you time to think about the offer and get additional quotes from other companies.

If you have been a victim of a doorstep fraud, report it to Action Fraud.

Read more about the bogus builder scam on the Surrey Police website.

Please note: Action Fraud is not responsible for the content on external websites.

To report a fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool.

See also:
Bogus tradesmen fraud
Bogus caller warning from police
Beware of bogus workmen

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