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Be aware of rogue traders (NCC release)

Trading Standards officers from Community Protection are reminding residents to be aware of the buy with confidence scheme to help prevent people falling victim to bogus callers and traders.

The buy with confidence scheme is a list of registered traders that includes roofers, builders and gardeners who have gone through a series of reference checks to make sure they can be recommended to potential customers.

As the weather gets warmer there is likely to be an increased risk of rogue traders calling at residents doors over forthcoming months.

Alex Norris, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety said:

As the weather starts to warm up many people will start to think about doing a bit of DIY around their home or garden. Unfortunately, there are rogue traders around the Nottingham area who will target homeowners who want help to carry out gardening work, roofing or tarmacing among other things.

We want to encourage homeowners to be extra vigilant if they are considering employing an unfamiliar trader and to contact Community Protection's Trading Standards officers with any concerns they may have.

Trading Standards normally sees an increase each spring in the number of complaints from homeowners about the poor quality of the work that has been carried out or work that has not been completed.

Rogue traders have been known to use intimidating or aggressive practices, overcharge and give misleading statements about the work that they offer.
Typical signs to spot may include:

• Cash only deals
• Special offers such as pressure to complete the work that day
• No invoices/quotes given
• Knocking on resident's doors

Lorraine Raynor, Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards from Community Protection, said:

I would encourage residents to be wary of random traders that turn up on their doorstep and offer to carry out works. They may try to encourage you to use them instead of another trader due to cheap costs initially - but in the long run if works are not carried out to a good standard or finished in the way you hoped it could be expensive to rectify the work.

If you have been the victim of a rogue trader or you suspect a rogue trader is operating in your area contact Citizens Advice Bureau Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06.

To find an approved trader visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

(Tue 10 April 2012 09:00:00 GMT)

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