12-02-2008
Suspected bogus trader incident in Ballymena reported
A suspected bogus tradesmen has been reported in the Ballymena area of Northern Ireland.
Calling at the door of one local resident, the supposed representative of a telephone company was unable to provide identification upon request and was subsequently denied entry to the property, reports the Ballymena Times.
Consequently, police are advising caution and have stressed that anyone claiming to be a legitimate tradesman should also be carrying identification bearing a photograph.
"Bogus callers depend on the good nature and good will of others and will arrive with a very plausible story, so don't be fooled," said a representative from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), an organisation created in 2001 as a consequence of the reforming of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
"Always keep unexpected callers outside on the doorstep and never let strangers into your home."
The PSNI has also warned that bogus tradesmen may also attempt to extract an inflated fee for any work that has already been conducted.
