Flintshire trading standards warning over tool sharpening scam

Flintshire Trading Standards officers are warning local businesses about a well known scam which could make its way into the local area.

There has been an increase in reports by businesses in South Wales who have been “cold called by males” offering to sharpen tools for £3 or £4 per tool.

The tools are then taken away to be sharpened and when they are brought back the price has increased and changed to £3/£4 per millimetre instead.

“The males are threatening and aggressive when businesses have refused to pay and there has been a case of violence against a trader.” Trading Standards say.

An actual instance of the scam published on the British Independent Retailers Association website highlights one business owners experience.

They were presented with a bill for more than £2500 after being pestered into having tools sharpened.

The workshop owner refused to pay but “could not get rid of them” and felt threatened by the men.

The business owner offered the men a lesser amount which they accepted.

A Flintshire Trading Standards spokesperson said: “Please do not agree to have any work done with traders who cold call your business.

If you are approached by anyone offering this service contact Trading Standards on 01352 703181 or North Wales Police via the live chat facility: https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support