Bogus Trading Standards

The Trading Standards team would like to warn residents following a report of potential con-artists claiming to represent

"Trading Standards”.

We have received a worrying report from an elderly resident in Totternhoe Road, Dunstable, who yesterday (Thurs 14 Feb) received a visit from a male (white, mid 20’s, dark hair) who claimed

"Trading Standards have been trying to contact” him and that he "needed the resident’s telephone number”.

The visitor did produce some form of identification, but the resident is unable to recall any of the details. Unfortunately, the resident did provide the visitor with his telephone number, who entered it into his mobile phone and then left the premises.

 

A short while later, the resident received a telephone call. The caller said that the resident would be transferred to “Dyno-Rod”. The resident then spoke to another gentleman who explained that they  

"were currently working on a sewer in the area”

and subsequently the resident’s “

water supply would be turned off for the whole weekend".

The resident has checked with neighbours and no-one else has received this information. Although, we are unable to confirm whether the visit and telephone call are from the same individuals, or what their intention is, it would appear this chain of events are connected.

Also, one of our Officer’s has contacted Dyno-Rod and they have confirmed they have no employees currently working in the above area.

 

We can also confirm that none of our Officer’s has made such a visit and that we would only visit residents by a pre-arranged appointment. In the unlikely event that we should need to visit residents unannounced, we would clearly produce our photo identification and fully explain the purpose of the visit.

Our advice to residents is to act with caution when you receive an unexpected visit.

Ask to see photo identification and take time to examine it. If you have any doubts, call the organisation or business the visitor is claiming to represent to verify they are genuine – although do not call the telephone number on the persons identification!

Finally, never provide any personal information to any unknown visitor, unless you are absolutely certain of their intentions.

END