A SCAM involving rogue traders posing as solar panel inspectors has promoted a warning from Devon and Cornwall Police.

Victims were contacted by telephone from a company who were offering to check or inspect solar panels, say police.

Approximately a day or two later the rogue traders attended these addresses and offered services which were not required, or at a severely inflated cost.

‘We are aware of at least three instances of this occurring in our area’ a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said.

In at least two instances the clients were told that the inverter was broken and needed replacing, Devon and Cornwall Police say.

It was not until closer inspection, one the rogue trader had left, that it was established that, in actual fact, the inverter was not broken, rather it had been switched off and made to appear as if it was broken.

‘Should anyone receive similar contact, please report this to the police on 101 and also Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk’ a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said.