Aberdeen City Council are urging residents to be aware of bogus workmen claiming to be carrying out warranty work for a roofing company.

Two recent incidents have been made aware to Trading Standards officers concerning work undertaken following unsolicited visits from traders.

On one occasion, the trader produced rotten wood after examining the outside of the roof and on the other, wet insulation was shown to the resident after access was gained to the roof space.

The residents were then persuaded to pay £2,200 and £4,700 to cover the cost of repairs.

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The work was unnecessary and the 'evidence' produced had either been taken into the roof by the trader or generated in the roof space by dipping insulation into a water tank.

The bogus traders are targeting houses which have had their roofs coated in the last few years.

Graeme Paton, Trading Standards Manager for the Council, said: "Residents should be wary of such cold callers and bear in mind it is their front door and they can ask the trader to leave at any time which, legally, the trader must do.

"Although we would warn against doing so, if work is agreed in the consumer's home following a cold call then the consumer should be provided with a written contract detailing exactly what work the trader is being contracted to carry out, along with the cost and a 14-day cancellation notice.

"Failing to give a notice of cancellation rights for contracts over £42 is an offence."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland.

(LM/MH)