South Ayrshire Council is issuing a warning to householders in the local area, as they suspect a rogue building and roofing gang is operating in the area.
The warning comes after one consumer was intimidated into paying over £5,000 in cash for the repair of just a few loose slates on her roof.
The elderly Ayr consumer, who lives alone, says she was 'cold-called' by the gang's front-man who claimed to be working on another house on the same street. He advised her that her roof had 'a few slates loose,' but they could fix it that same day.
No price was agreed, but after a few hours work, the trader demanded £2,500 in cash to 'pay his boys'. The consumer felt she had no option but to pay, but when she was later informed that further roof sealing work was required - she refused.
She alleges the roofers then returned when she was not home and carried out further repairs and maintenance - this time demanding another £2,700.
The workmen allegedly surrounded her in an intimidating manner, and she felt there was no option but to return to the bank to again pay in cash.
The case is now being investigated, but the Council is warning people, especially the elderly or vulnerable, to be on the look-out for the rogue outfit.
Councillor Peter Convery, Portfolio Holder with responsibility for trading standards issues commented: "It is absolutely despicable that elderly and vulnerable residents are targeted in this way and we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice.
"We understand there are four people involved, including two younger boys. We believe they travel in a white van and a small silver car.
"The paperwork they use is bogus, containing the name and logo of another trader in another part of the country. The address listed as their premises is false and so too are the 'local' contact numbers, prefixed with the area codes '01292' and '01563'.
"We suspect these numbers are a 'front' and divert to a 'pay as you go' mobile phone. The group also do not give consumers the seven day cooling-off period required for such 'doorstep' contracts – which is also a criminal offence."
South Ayrshire Council is urging local people to be on their guard if someone shows up at their door to do 'necessary' building work, especially if they appear keen to do it right away with little paperwork or information.
Householders are advised to err on the side of caution as reputable traders will happily provide them with time to decide and proper paperwork and prices. The seven day cooling-off period is a consumer's right in law for deals done on the doorstep and it cannot be waived without express written consent.
Councillor Convery continued: "If people find themselves in similar situation, or if they feel threatened or intimidated, they should contact Trading Standards, or the police, immediately, so the situation can be dealt with while the trader is still there.
"If the trader takes you to the bank to withdraw cash, it is vital you tell the cashier what is happening. Bank staff are trained to deal with these situations and the bank will be a safe environment for you until Trading Standards and the Police arrive.
Fortunately, the actions of this trader are not typical of the majority of law abiding builders and roofers in South Ayrshire.
"However it is important to warn local householders when such a threat emerges and we are fully committed to catching this gang and hold them to account."
South Ayrshire Council is urging anyone who may have information in relation to this rogue gang to get in touch with them on 01292 616060 or speak to an advisor at 5/7 River Terrace Ayr.
All information will be dealt with on a strictly confidential basis.
Further information and advice on building or roofer contracts can be accessed online at:
www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards