A vulnerable resident being charged thousands of pounds for minor work has prompted a warning to remind people to ignore flyers offering tree services.

One resident was charged £8,000 for minor tree and garden work and there have been a "spate of recent incidents" in Bromley.

Councillor Kate Lymer said: "Although we want residents to be mindful of rogue traders offering tree services in their leaflets in particular, scams come in many different forms.

"By post, on the internet, through telephone calls and on the doorstep and they all have one thing in common – they want to trick victims out of cash or their personal information.

The executive cllr for public protection added: "Residents should talk to their friends and relatives to help make them aware of these issues and call the trading standards rapid response team on 07903 852090 if you, or someone you know, has been affected."

Rogue traders often pray on elderly residents in Bromley by cold-calling them at home.

Residents are reminded to only use traders from an approved organisation and to always ask for references or ask to speak to previous customers.

You are also advised to get at least three quotes to compare and to obtain a full written estimate before work starts.

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