How fraudsters are promising non-existent roofing subsidies to Dudley pensioners

Dudley Council are warning residents to be vigilant after official looking leaflets have been distributed across the borough.

They claim that subsidies of up to 40 per cent are available to pensioners on roofing treatment works.

Dozens of homeowners have reported receiving the leaflets, but the council wants to stress that they are nothing to do with the local authority and there is no Government subsidy available for the work.

The con promotes `roof coating` work as an alternative to re-roofing and claim to make roofs `maintenance free` for up to 20 years.

Similar claims have been investigated by Trading Standards and found to be fraudulent.

Last year Dudley Council's trading standards successfully prosecuted the directors and sales staff from Therma Seal UK and Therma Seal (Thermal Coatings) UK for falsely claiming that roof coating was a low cost alternative to re-roofing and making false energy saving claims.

Councillor Rachel Harris, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "We're asking people to keep their wits about them whenever they receive promotional flyers for work to their home or garden.

"If people are concerned or if they know or someone who has fallen victim to roof coating scams they can contact our Trading Standards Team or they can view our list of approved traders under the Fix-A-Home Scheme."

For more information call trading standards on 01384 812045 or to view the council's list of approved traders visit http://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/your-council/trading-standards/fix-a-home/