A warning has been issued to look out for bogus tradesmen who offer immediate help on urgent house repairs.

The NI Trading Standards Services said that consumers should "pour money down the drain" when such bogus workmen call at your home offering urgent repairs.

The warning follows a recent incident in east Belfast in which an elderly woman was approached by men who told her that a blockage in her drains was causing an emergency situation in the next street.

The lady felt pressurised by the alleged urgency of the matter and agreed that the men should start work immediately. The men returned, dressed in boiler suits, the following day and commenced work on the drains.

The lady was charged £7,750 for the bogus work, and paid the amount in cash. It was later discovered that there was no problem with any drains in the area.

Mary McKeown from Trading Standards Service said: "Rogue traders frequently pressurise householders to hand over cash by convincing them that their homes require urgent repair work.

"In this particular case the trader even lifted up a drain close to the lady's home to show her the alleged blockage. After paying the full amount, the elderly lady queried the price, as she thought it was too expensive.

"The workmen informed her that special parts were required, and implied that the job was cheap as they were already working in the area," she explained.

Ms McKeown continued: "We would urge householders not to be pressured into agreeing to any alleged urgent repair work, building work, house repairs or indeed any other services with people who 'cold call'.

"Always seek a second opinion from a trusted person and do not agree to a trader starting any work straight away. Reputable traders will allow a customer to take time to come to a decision," she said.

"The law states that, where goods or services cost over £35, consumers are entitled to a seven day cooling-off period during which they can cancel the contract.

"Sellers must provide prospective buyers with written notice of these rights, along with a cancellation form.

"If traders do not comply with these requirements, any contract agreed with a customer will not be legally binding. More importantly, such traders will be committing an offence," she said, noting that if consumers are concerned or have a complaint about doorstep callers, they are asked to contact Consumerline on 0300 1236262 or alternatively log on to: www.consumerline.org

(BMcC/KMcA)