HALF of elderly people living in Yorkshire have fallen victim to rogue traders, according to alarming new research.
The figures released by the Gas Safe Register reveal that over-65s living in the region are most at risk from dodgy salesmen.
Half of the elderly population admitted that they have already been targeted by preying tradesmen on their own doorstep.
Charity Age UK says nearly 2.5m people fell victim to scams last year.
Now the Gas Safe Register – a Government-approved registration scheme for gas engineers – is warning older people that they might be vulnerable to unscrupulous rogues.
Its survey also found that the elderly didn’t always know how to keep themselves safe.
Of those polled, one in three would hand over cash for a job.
Most were not fully aware of what to do if a tradesman did a poor job, with only one in four reporting substandard work to Trading Standards.
Paul Johnston, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said: “All too often our investigations team find illegal gas fitters specifically preying on the elderly, offering discounted OAP rates and using charm tactics.
“It is vital that older people living in Yorkshire always check that the engineer they use is on the Gas Safe Register or they could be putting their lives and pocket at risk.”
To find a local Gas Safe registered engineer call free on 0800 408 5500 or visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk
