Last updated at 16:55, Wednesday, 18 July 2012

TRADING Standards have issued a “buyer beware” warning after rogue traders were reported in the Dalton area.

IDENTITY THEFT: Owner and tree surgeon Adam Brooks (left) from A.B.T.S. (Adam Brooks Tree Services) who has had reports of rogue traders approaching homeowners in his name for tree and garden workLINDSEY DICKINGS REF: 50036009B000

Adam Brooks, who runs AB Tree Services, based in Dalton, said traders had been going door-to-door in the town claiming to be from his company.

But the tree surgeon has warned that he doesn’t do cold calling, and said the salesmen are imposters.

Mr Brooks said: “I’ve been told by about three customers that people have knocked on their doors and said they are working for me.

“But I don’t do cold calling.

“If for any reason I did have to call on a customer, it would either be me, or my nephew Wayne Rigg, who works with me.

“The people who have been going door-to-door have nothing to do with me.”

A Cumbria Country Council Trading Standards spokesman said householders should always check the credentials of any door-to-door salespeople.

He said: “The Trading Standards term for it is passing off.

“It’s not a common problem in this area.

“We’ve not had any reports of anything similar happening recently.

“If the tree surgeon is advertising in the area it’s relatively easy for people to pick up on the name of a local business and to use it.

“The advice to the tree surgeon would be to contact the Citizen’s Advice line number on 0845 4040506.

“They would give him the civil advice on what he could do next, maybe if he wanted to take the case to the civil court. But that’s dependant on finding out who’s been doing it.”

Homeowners are being advised to “check the credentials” of anyone calling at their property and cold calling.

Trading Stabdards said if anyone was unsure, they could call the phone number listed on the company’s literature to check they are legit.

The spokesman added: “From the customers’ point of view, we would advise ‘buyer beware’.

“If you’re unsure, just say no.

“If in doubt keep them out, and check people’s credentials.

“Do a call back on the number they give you before you go ahead with anything.”

First published at 16:16, Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk