Residents in part of North Yorkshire are being warned to stay vigilant after reports of rogue traders targeting vulnerable people on their doorsteps.
Councillor Julie Hart, who represents Hutton Ward in Guisborough, issued the urgent alert after receiving several reports from residents about suspected rogue traders and doorstep scammers operating across the town.
She said the callers were allegedly targeting elderly and vulnerable residents in particular.
She also claims the scammers have used high-pressure sales tactics, scare stories and excessive charges to convince people to hire them.
Among the incidents reported to the North Yorkshire councillor were claims that one trader had told homeowners their roofs were at risk of collapse, to manipulate them into paying for costly emergency repairs.
Other reports alleged that residents had been charged hundreds of pounds for simple jobs, such as weeding driveways, only for very little work to be carried out before payment was demanded.
(Image: City of York Council)
Councillor Hart also said she had been told of cases where traders were requesting money upfront before leaving jobs unfinished or failing to complete any work at all.
In a warning to residents, she said: "I've received several deeply concerning reports this week from residents regarding rogue traders and doorstep scammers operating across Guisborough.
"These doorstep callers are actively preying on vulnerable and elderly members of our community, using aggressive high-pressure tactics, fake emergencies and extortionate prices."
The councillor is warning locals to speak to their elderly relatives, friends and neighbours about the risks associated with doorstep traders.
It's important to remind them never to agree to work offered without checking that the traders are legitimate first.
Cllr Hart added that residents should use reputable local tradespeople.
She also suggested that genuine professionals should be willing to provide written quotes - to allow customers time to consider their options and gain evidence of relevant qualifications or trade credentials.
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Residents are also under no obligation to answer the door to unsolicited callers.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by rogue traders, or who has concerns about suspicious activity in their area, is being urged to contact Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.
Those who feel threatened or intimidated should contact police immediately.