Rogue trader seen off by bank clerk

Donna works at Barclays Bank in Devonshire Road and her actions have earned her a Trading Standards Hero award, presented by East Sussex County Council’s Trading Standards team.

In February this year, a cold caller persuaded a local woman she needed some gardening work done. He insisted on being paid in cash and drove his victim to the bank to withdraw the money.

But Donna became suspicious and raised the alarm with police and trading standards. Bank staff also confronted the trader, who was waiting outside, and he fled without getting any money.

Councillor Carl Maynard, Lead Member for Economy, Transport and Environment praised quick-thinking Donna for protecting her customer.

He said: “I would like to thank her for raising the alarm and for the other bank staff who helped to stop this resident being ripped off.

“We are calling on all bank, building society and post office staff, and people coming into contact with potentially vulnerable residents, to keep their eyes peeled and alert Trading Standards if they think somebody may be a victim of a rogue trader.”

After receiving her award, Donna said: “At the Bexhill branch of Barclays, the staff team is vigilant about protecting our customers and their finances and I am very pleased we were able to assist our client”.

Trading Standards has advice available on dealing with cold callers and rogue traders, available by calling 01323 463430.

It also runs a “Buy With Confidence” scheme listing a range of approved traders, available on-line at: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/buywithconfidence, or by calling 01323 463440 (option 1)