A tree surgery scam could cost homeowners thousands of pounds, police have warned. Officers in Staffordshire have recieved two reports of men knocking on doors and offering to cut trees down for £500.
However, once the work is complete, they then demand more cash after claiming the tree had honey fungus and they needed to stop the spread. Some residents have been told to cough up thousands of pounds.
The men are claiming to be from a company called Oak Leaf Tree and Fencing Ltd but this is a bogus claim, Staffordshire Police has said. They have been seen driving a white van with a wood chipper trailer and were wearing orange hi-vis clothing.
POLL: Do you agree with the DWP taking money from bank accounts or wages?
PCSO Matt Taylor has warned residents to be cautious of the scam. In an email alert, he said: “Staffordshire Police have received two reports of males knocking on doors in the area claiming to be tree surgeons and asking the residents if they want their trees cutting down for a quote of £500. This has occurred on Friday 3rd January 2025 from mid day onwards.
“When the males have returned they have completed work and charged the residents thousands of pounds after claiming that the tree had “Honey Fungus” and required cutting down to stop it spreading.
“These males are claiming to be working for a company called Oak Leaf Tree and Fencing LTD. They do not cover the Codsall/Bilbrook area, so it appears this is a bogus claim. The males were in a white drop side van with a wood chipper trailer and were seen to be wearing orange Hi-Visibility clothing.”
The PCSO continued: “If you get unsolicited knocking on your door from any tradesmen that you are not expecting, please be cautious in entering an agreement for work being done and money being exchanged.
“If you are unsure then do not give details and close the door, you are not required to engage with them and are definitely not required to give them any personal details. I have been to the affected streets and spoken to some residents to raise some awareness and police officers are currently investigating the circumstances.
“Please get this shared around on social media and make any vulnerable family/friends in the area aware, as they may not see this or the local social media pages. As always, stay safe out there!”