Trading standards officers say they have helped save Bracknell Forest residents £125,000 in the last year.

Officers have helped people get refunds and make savings of £65,000 and have prevented fraud worth £60,000.

One couple, Marcella and Bob Begbie from Binfield, reclaimed more than £1,000 from a bathroom company.

They had paid £1,066 as a deposit for a shower but when they tried to cancel the order, they were told they faced an additional charge of £740.

Trading standards had to persist to get the money refunded.

Margaret Whitehead and her daughter Catherine from Warfield bought two wills for £100 from a stall in a Slough shopping centre.

They were later asked for an extra £1,700 so that changes could be made later on. Trading standards got them a refund.

Fraud savings were made where con artists had targeted councils and health trusts.

Robert Sexton, head of trading standards and services at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: “Our team has worked hard to try to save people’s money both directly and by way of refunds, and indirectly, by tackling fraud against the public sector.”

Iain McCracken, executive member for public protection, said: “These cases highlight how important it is to be aware of your rights and how to exercise them.

“There are unscrupulous people out there who wouldn’t think twice about ripping you off, so the general advice is purchase from established retailers or those that come recommended to you, know your rights, and if a deal seems too good to be true, then it usually is.”

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