18/03/2026
What begins as a quick phone call or a knock on the door can quickly turn into a costly scam.
Rogue traders posing as workmen who claim to fix “damaged” underground pipes have been targeting residents in the Chippenham, Corsham and Calne areas, conning vulnerable people out of thousands of pounds.
To help residents protect themselves, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team today held a ‘Stop the Scammers’ event across the three towns.
Officers were out and about in Corsham, Chippenham and Calne alongside Wiltshire Council’s Trading Standards Team, Fraud Prevention and the Bobby Van Trust, providing residents with vital information on how to spot rogue traders and what to do if they are targeted.
The event follows three recent incidents, all believed to be linked, in Box, Chippenham and Calne, where vulnerable victims were targeted by scammers.
In these cases, offenders called residents’ home phone numbers to arrange a visit the following day. During the visit, they falsely claimed the underground pipes at the property were cracked and required urgent repair work costing between £3,000 and £7,000. They would show the residents photos of the damage, however these photos were not genuine.
After claiming to carry out the work, the victims paid the money and the scammers left – having completed no repairs at all.
Two people have since been arrested in connection with the incidents. The investigation is now being led by Trading Standards and is believed to form part of a wider regional scam, although the full scale of the offending is still being investigated.
PC Jess Swanborough, who spearheaded today’s event, said: “We want people to stay vigilant and I hope our presence in all three towns today serves as a reminder to residents of the warning signs to look out for.
“These scammers are often very convincing, but their actions can leave victims feeling upset and embarrassed. Sadly, many people feel reluctant to tell their families that they have fallen victim to a scam because they feel ashamed, so it is important that we get out and about and speak with residents face to face.”
Wiltshire Council Trading Standards is also promoting its Buy With Confidence approved trader scheme, which supports legitimate businesses and helps protect consumers in Wiltshire.
All members of the scheme are independently checked by Trading Standards to ensure they comply with both the letter and spirit of the law. Businesses can only display the Buy With Confidence logo if they pass these strict checks, which are monitored regularly to ensure continued high standards of customer care.
Gideon Hunter, Public Protection Officer, said: “These scammers will often use convincing logos and branding to make a strong first impression and gain your trust. But if you need work carried out at your home, it’s important to use a trusted trader. Try to get recommendations from friends or family, always obtain several quotes before agreeing to work, and use a Buy With Confidence member whenever possible.”
For more information visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.
For more about the Bobby Van Trust, visit https://orlo.uk/UjIQG
