Once again fraudsters have been posing as window cleaners in order to con local residents out of money, this time in Huddersfield.
In a recent report published on the ITV news and their website, a man “got away with cash after tricking one resident in the Lockwood area”. Apparently the offence “came to light when the genuine window cleaner called asking for payment” which is hardly surprising, but why are residents so easily duped?
The report goes on to say that there have been similar incidents in the area and “police believe others may not yet have come to light”.
A description of the fraudster described him as probably being “in his twenties, 5ft 8ins tall, white and of average build”. Also “He has dark coloured short hair and stubble and wearing a dark coloured jacket and blue jeans”.
We advise all customers to make sure they know who their window cleaner is by sight, as well as their staff. If someone comes to your door and you don’t recognise them then ask for identification first if they request a payment. If in doubt, refuse payment until they can provide proper identification, or ask them for an address to send payment to. Better still, ask them if they have a website where you can pay your bill onlne. Or a bank account where you can transfer money too online. Most professional window cleaners these days can provide these payment options.