Elderly and disabled people are being told to beware of cold-calling fraudsters trying to trick them into having their mobility equipment serviced unnecessarily.
Leicestershire County Council's Trading Standards Service has issued a warning after receiving six complaints from around the East Midlands and within the county.
Victims claim that they have been "cold-called" by businesses saying that their stair-lift or mobility scooter requires a routine service.
The callers falsely said they represented the original suppliers of their mobility aids and that a routine service contract was also bought at the time of the original purchase.
They appeared to have good knowledge of the consumers' mobility aids and also alleged they were able to visit quickly "as they were in the area''.
In some cases, charges of up to £100 were made for unnecessary replacement parts.
David Bull, head of the county council's trading standards service, said: "Many businesses operating across Leicestershire offer a good, reliable service. Unfortunately, there are occasions when the trader and the service on offer are not always genuine.
"We advise consumers not to agree to work being done following an unsolicited call on the telephone or at the doorstep. Contact the original supplier to find out if there is a recommended service provider for the mobility aid."
Information and advice can be obtained by Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06. Anyone with information in connection with a rogue trader can e-mail:
telltradingstandards@ leics.gov.uk
