Rogue traders target Ipswich homeowners with roofing scam

Why it matters: Vulnerable residents could be pressured into paying for unnecessary and overpriced work, with scammers currently active in the area.

The details: A trader calling himself "Bill" approached a homeowner in the Dales Road area on Friday, claiming to have spotted brick damage to their chimney.

• Initially offering repairs for £20, the tradesman used a ladder to access the roof and photograph the chimney

• Upon return, he claimed the damage was worse than expected and increased the price to £850

• The resident refused and the trader left

What to do: Suffolk Trading Standards advises residents to:

• Never agree to work from cold callers

• Avoid being pressured into immediate decisions

• Get quotes from 2-3 traders for any home repairs

• Ask friends and family for recommendations or check Suffolk Trusted Trader

• Request the full name and address of traders before considering their services

• Get written quotations before work begins

• Only pay once work is satisfactorily completed and avoid cash payments

Report concerns: All doorstep callers should be reported to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

The bottom line: Suffolk residents can request free "No Cold Calling" stickers by emailing trading.standards@suffolk.gov.uk with their address.