Suspected bogus traders arrested for allegedly defrauding victim out of £12k for roof repairs

Arrests have been made after a vulnerable victim in Tilehurst was allegedly scammed out of £12,000 to remove moss from their roof.

Two men, aged 22 and 54, from Woking, Surrey, have been arrested by police on suspicion of fraud by false representation following a joint operation with Reading Borough Council’s Trading Standards department targeting bogus tradespeople.

Both men are accused of pressuring a vulnerable victim into making a payment of £12,000 for moss to be removed from their roof.

They allegedly went on to remove roof tiles, claiming further work was required, and pressured the victim into having their loft insulated.

The two men allegedly targeted residents between Sunday, June 29, and Wednesday, July 2, by cold calling houses and coercing people into agreeing to work they didn’t need.

Police also seized three vehicles during the operation.

The two men have been released from police custody on conditional bail while an investigation into the full circumstances of the incident continues.

Detective inspector Duncan Wynn, head of Thames Valley Police’s Central Fraud Unit, said: ”We know through our ongoing work the lengths offenders are prepared to go to in pursuit of fraudulently obtaining money.

“Those who commit these offences can be extremely convincing and use pressure tactics to gain on-the-spot decisions.

“As our specialist officers continue our enquiries, my advice is to never agree to work being undertaken because of a cold call to your home.

“Remain vigilant and do not hesitate in reporting any suspicious activity immediately. Your report will be taken seriously and we will make use of all the powers available to us.”

Police remind residents to ask for identification before letting anyone enter their house; to check their credentials, including a permanent business address and landline telephone number; ask for references from previous customers or examples of their work; and to get at least three written quotes before committing to any work.

If suspicious, ask the salesperson if you can take their photo. If they are legitimate, they will not mind.

Residents should always make any agreement in writing, avoid revealing confidential information and never pay for work before it has been completed to a suitable standard.

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively, call 101 if a bogus trader has indicated they will be returning to the property later.

If you think you have given money to a bogus trader, report this to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

If in any doubt, ask the person to leave or call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.