HE company behind a banned leaflet advertising roof restoration services to over 60s has said a mix up at the printers has led to it being posted out to homes in Worcestershire.
A man from Malvern, who did not wish to be named, informed the Worcester News of a flier he’d received earlier this month which he believed was a scam targeting elderly people.
“It’s worded not to look like an advert for a product. It’s worded like a formal document, with red ink at the top saying ‘Important notice’,” he said.
Having researched the regulations on the Advertising Standards Authority [ASA] website, he believes “the flier breaches advertising rules”.
“It should not be used. I would like some warning for the elderly, because it might be a scam.”
“I imagine the whole county is swamped [with the fliers],” he added.
In its first line, the RSL flier states, in red: “IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you are retired/semi-retired or over 60 years old, you may be eligible for financial assistance or a subsidy payment for roof protection or renewal.”
It goes on to say: “We have had reason to carry out work in your area recently due to roof deterioration in relation to recent extreme annual weather conditions.”
Later, it states: “You must register your interest within the next five days” – though has no date on the flier.
It says: “Funding and subsidies of up to 40 per cent will be available for households that meet the qualifying criteria.”
But that: “Funding is limited per post code area and is allocated on a first come, first serve basis.”
It invites homeowners to call an 0800 number to arrange a free assessment.
A spokesman for RSL said the company “are not responsible for the distribution of this leaflet, this leaflet had a ruling against it in May 2017 [by ASA] and the company ceased using this form of literature immediately”.
“After looking into this on your behalf, it appears the print company we use, and/or the Royal Mail, have distributed this literature by mistake from old stock they had previously held.”
He went on to say: “We have informed the ASA of this matter and this form of literature has been taken out of circulation with immediate effect.
“Although it has been withdrawn on the advice from the ASA, I can assure you it is in no way a scam.”
He added: “We would also like to take this opportunity to inform you RSL Roof Restorations is a family run business with over 26 years trading serving the United Kingdom with an impeccable track record.”
A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said: "Scams are always doing the rounds and Worcestershire Trading Standards warn consumers and businesses to avoid falling prey.
“Scams come in a variety of guises with new ones emerging all the time.
“Leaflets claiming financial assistance and subsidy for building works is one that could tempt home owners.
“Reporting suspicious offers and incidents of fraud is vital to getting scams closed down.
“If you think you’ve been contacted by a con artist or have been the victim of scam, seek advice, report it and tell others about it.
“Report it to Trading Standards through your local Citizens Advice or through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.
“Also, report scams and suspected scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or email actionfraud.police.uk.”
Royal Mail spokesperson Henry Perry said: “We are working with the businesses concerned to investigate this matter and understand exactly what happened.”