ROGUE traders are stinging victims twice as they are coming back to people they have previously conned posing as officials from Trading Standards or from the Courts. 

Police in Sussex are warning previous doorstep victims of crime that attempts may be made to defraud them again.

During April nine reports were received that previous victims of rogue traders and other doorstep criminals wee being recontacted by scammers posing as Trading Standards or Court officials, demanding money up front in order to finance court action to recoup some of the losses from the original crime.

The reports came from Brighton, Chichester, Portslade, Henfield, Lancing, and Burgess Hill.

PC Bernadette Lawrie of Sussex Police said; "If you have a friend, neighbour or relative who has been targeted by doorstep traders in the past, give them a call and remind them to be wary of all unknown callers, especially those offering this supposed help.

"So far the reports have come from West Sussex and Brighton, but that doesn't mean East Sussex may not also be affected at some stage.

"Thankfully, so far none of the people who have reported to us have been taken in by this approach, but we are concerned that there may be others who have been defrauded and have not yet reported it to us.

"We are also contacting particularly vulnerable people known to us to help spread the message.

Scammers claim to be able to compensate for their previous losses.

John Peerless from Brighton & Hove's Trading Standards said; "We are extremely concerned about vulnerable people being targeted by these rogue traders. Trading Standards Officers will not ask for money to be paid into an account or take cash from anyone. The message is don't let them in or hand over any money or bank details, and report it to Trading Standards."

If you are approached by telephone or by cold call at the door by someone claiming to work for Trading Standards or a court who asks for money as part of a refund or compensation for rogue trader problems, do not pay any money or give any personal details and instead call the police.