Hampshire Trading Standards has received reports of residents being cold called at the door by traders offering jet washing and sealing of block paving, patios and driveways.  A low quote is given, but substantially inflated during and at the end of the work.
Workmanship is of a poor standard, cash is often requested, and incorrect paperwork may be given. 
Trading Standards advise residents not to agree to work that is instigated as a result of a cold call.  Residents should obtain at least 3 written quotes from reputable businesses or traders who are either members of the Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Buy With Confidence Scheme or a recognised trade association. 
Members of the Buy With Confidence scheme are fully audited to ensure their trading practices are legal, honest and fair. All members have been checked for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws. Details can be obtained by telephoning 01962 833620, emailing [email protected] or via the Buy With Confidence website.
Traders who agree work at the home of an individual or at a place other than their usual business premises are required by law to provide consumers with a Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives a 14 day cooling off period from the date the work starts.  Even if work has started, there is still a legal right to cancel, although some payment may be required for materials.
To inform Trading Standards about traders offering drainage services where false claims are suspected, report the matter to our partners at the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.  Please try to obtain a name and address for the company.
Doorstep Crime can also be reported to Hampshire Police on their non-urgent number 101 or dial 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner would like to gain a better understanding of the anti-social behaviours that are concerning residents most and the actions they are currently taking on experiencing or witnessing incidents.
Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that causes harm or distress to an individual, to their community or to their environment. In 2018 there were 45,996 incidents of anti-social behaviour across the Hampshire Constabulary policing area. 
Please take the survey and share your views
https://www.surveygizmo.eu/s3/90149970/Your-views-on-Anti-Social-Behaviour
Message Sent By
Graeme Barbour (Police, Digital Communications Officer, Hampshire)

​What you need to know

• Action Fraud has experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls and voicemails, to members of the public purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

• Fraudsters are spoofing genuine HMRC telephone numbers to deceive their victims over the phone. The fraudsters state that as a result of the victim’s non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable for prosecution or other legal proceedings in order to settle the balance. The fraudsters suggest victims can avoid this, by arranging payment to be made immediately by methods such as bank transfer or by purchasing iTunes gift cards.
• If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, sending bailiffs to the victim’s address or, in some cases, deportation.
• Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact with the victim.
• In genuine cases, HMRC will initially make direct contact with you via post/letter and potentially follow up that letter with a phone call at a later date.
• If HMRC contact you via telephone they will quote the reference number on the initial letter you should have received. HMRC will not discuss something you are not already aware of, like a tax investigation, and will NOT demand immediate payment.

It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature.

What you need to do

• Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.
• Legitimate organisations wouldn’t ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using an iTunes gift card, or any other type of voucher. If you’re contacted by anyone that asks you to do this, you’re likely the target of a scam
• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.
• Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, you can report this as phishing to Action Fraud

Message Sent By
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)