Carmarthenshire Trading Standards are warning people to be on their guard after hearing reports of a rogue salesman attempting to sell leather jackets in car parks in Carmarthen.
Several people say they have been approached by a smartly dressed male using high pressure sales tactics to try and sell leather jackets for £200. The man is described as in his mid 20s with an Italian accent.
Trading Standards officers say it is doubtful the items being offered are genuine leather, and may be of poor quality. They are working with Dyfed Powys Police to investigate.
In the meantime, people are being warned about buying items from people who approach them directly, either in public or on their doorstep.
Trading Standards and neighbourhood policing teams work together to tackle rogue traders. Earlier this year they launched #1StepAhead – a campaign to help people have a better understanding of the tricks rogue traders use to try and con innocent people out of money.
Cllr Jim Jones, Executive Board Member for Public Protection, said: “When people use dodgy tricks or pushy hard-sell tactics to get people to part cash for items that are either of poor quality, or something they don’t need, we need to know about it. We share intelligence with the police to stamp out rogue traders, and our message to them is that we are one step ahead.”
Sgt Dominic Jones, of Dyfed Powys Police, said: “Police in Carmarthen are aware of this man and we are looking into the matter with Trading Standards. We are concerned that the items he is attempting to sell may not be genuine. I urge anyone who is approached by this man not to buy any items and to contact police immediately by calling 101.”
Protect yourself from becoming a victim:
Always ask for an identity card and look up the organisation to check the salesperson’s identity is correct
Don’t get taken in by sales banter and high pressure selling techniques
Always shop around for the best price
Trust your instincts – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
It is okay to say no
Finally – report any suspicious activity
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