TRADING Standards is warning people in the county to beware of rogue traders after an elderly woman from Braintree was conned out of hundreds of pounds for "shoddy" work to her driveway.
Essex County Council's is urging the public, especially those in the Braintree district, to be on their guard for cold-callers offering to do work at inflated prices.
Malcolm Shead, head of trading standards in the county, said: "This is only one victim reporting an incident, but for us it's just another example of how much we must continue to get the message across that you shouldn't be doing business at your doorstep.
"It's really difficult for us because we try and try to raise awareness but yet we're still finding victims of these scams."
In the latest case, an elderly woman was approached by traders at her home who offered to do maintenance work on her driveway.
Trading standards says the woman, who does not want to be identified for fear of reprisals, paid inflated prices for "shoddy work".
Mr Shead added: "These rogues often target gullible people, and I don't mean that badly because they're not stupid people, but they are vulnerable and are susceptible to this kind of scam.
"They will often knock at your door and say they've noticed your driveway needs cleaning, and that they could also repoint the paving or repair some edging bricks too.
"On many occasions people are too fearful of the traders and fear retribution if they tell them to go away, or that the work isn't good enough, and many are frightened.
"But I want to make clear that if people do think they are the victim of a scam and need some moral support just to tell the tradesmen to go away, then they can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506 who will put them straight through to us in Essex, and we can have someone there within half an hour."
Mr Shead says people should follow some simple tips to avoid falling victim to rogue traders, but also urged neighbours to keep an eye on their elderly or vulnerable neighbours.
Cllr Roger Walters, cabinet member for trading standards, added: "I am urging residents not to do business with people they neither know nor trust or with those who just knock at the door.
"Rogue doorstep traders can be extremely persuasive and be very convincing and it is easy to be taken in but only look to recommended reputable traders if you need work carried out."
If you think you, a friend or family member has been targeted by a rogue doorstep trader please call Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506 or Essex Police on 101.
