BOGUS traders in York are conning residents by offering to clean their gutters and then claiming thousands of pounds for the work.

The city council said its trading standards teams have been told traders offer to clean gutters for £5, but then claim there are serious problems with the resident’s roof. The scamsters suggest the work is done immediately for a cost which can run into four figures, offering a discount if the homeowner signs up straight away, but not providing cancellation rights as the law requires.

City of York Council, Older Citizens Advocacy York (OCAY) and Age UK York are teaming up over the next few weeks to prevent elderly people in the city becoming victims of “ever more sophisticated” scams.

For more information, phone Age UK York on 01904 621020, OCAY on 01904 676200 or the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06.