[C]umbria Trading Standards are warning local businesses to be wary of rogue traders cold calling offering tool sharpening services. They are offering to demonstrate their skills and provide an estimate before returning to take tools to be sharpened.
The traders make misleading claims with regards to how their prices are calculated and several days later they return with the tools and demand thousands of pounds from the business. When the businesses (which have included engineering and building firms) refuse to pay, the rogue traders make aggressive demands for the money in person, by phone and email – causing serious disruption to the business.
The rogue traders frequently change their business name and telephone numbers, but their methods remain the same. The paperwork provided will appear legitimate, however the company is registered abroad.
John Greenbank Trading Standards Manager for Cumbria County Council said: “If you run a business that is likely to use power tools or other blades, be on your guard. If you are approached, we advise you decline the offer of the service and report the incident to Trading Standards or the Police. We strongly advise businesses to only use trusted traders and not to agree to services offered by passing tradesmen. Businesses can find a list of approved and reputable traders in their area on the Business Approval register at www.businessapprovalregister.com.”
If you or someone you know has been approached by such traders, please contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or alternatively contact Cumbria Police on 101.
