ROGUE tree surgeons who traded using a slogan “avoid the cowboys, bring in the experts” targeted a vulnerable woman.

Police were forced to step in and safeguard the woman who was scammed by the cowboy traders.

Essex Police was alerted by the woman’s bank it spotted an unusual transaction.

The fake tree surgeons’ leaflet, which was given to the Billericay woman reads: “Avoid the cowboys, bring in the experts.

“Special rates for OAP’s

“If a neighbour is causing you a problem, we can help.”

The company offer homeowners tree felling, trimming, pruning, pollarding and lopping. which all either reduce or remove unwanted trees or shrubbery from gardens.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Billericay officers have safeguarded a vulnerable female who had works done by a supposed tree surgeon who had been cold calling in the area.

“Her bank were concerned about the transaction she was trying to make.

“Officers attended to assist and safeguard the lady and the relevant information has been gathered to deal with the trader.

“The advice from Trading Standards is to never do business with cold callers offering household maintenance and repairs.

“If you are needing work done it is best to find a company recommended by family or friends, or alternatively check the Trading Standards website for a list of approved traders.”

Jamie Hilton, the owner of JH services, a certified tree-surgeon in Billericay, issued advice on how to avoid being scammed.

He said: “They knock on doors and don’t give residents enough time to ask any questions before they talk about the work.

“People need to ask for waste licenses. Don’t open any doors to people you don’t know.

“All my certificates are in my van and easy to access if anyone asks.

“I recommend using word of mouth to see whether they’re trustworthy. “ Go to https://bit.ly/2VPaJBX.