Housing association VIVID, which owns and manages 31,000 homes across the south, has reported an attempted scam on one of its customers to Hampshire Police and Trading Standards. It wants to warn others to be extra vigilant especially in the lead up to Christmas when scams like this can increase.

The VIVID customer received a visit from 2 men who claimed to be from the housing association and had been sent the property to clean the guttering.  They told the tenant that it was an annual requirement and asked for £65 to do the work.  When the customer’s suspicions were raised the men said they would speak to VIVID head office.  Both left, and no further contact has been received by the tenant.

VIVID Head of Operations Alex Nagle said; “Hampshire Trading Standards has issued a warning to all tenants across the county, including those with other housing associations. Any VIVID customers receiving such cold calls should contact us directly for further advice and guidance. If we ever need to carry out work on or visit customer homes our staff always wear VIVID identity and in many cases we’ll have contacted the customer beforehand.”

To inform Trading Standards about traders offering 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.