Rogue traders

Resident

Good morning, police and trading standards are aware of potential rogue traders in the area offering to do building and landscaping work. Please be vigilant and do not accept work from people randomly attending your door step.

Finding a tradesperson

When looking for a business to carry out work at your home, such as plumbing, roofing or gardening, here’s some advice:

Don’t agree to work offered by unsolicited doorstep callers.

Don’t rely on posts or recommendations on social media sites or trader approval platforms without doing your own research.

Don’t be swayed by glossy flyers or impressive websites as they may not show the trader’s own work.

Don’t pay cash or agree to be taken to the bank or immediately transfer money before any work is started.

Don’t be rushed into making a decision.

Don’t pay by cash because it’s not traceable.

Do:

Get three written quotes from reputable businesses.

Research the companies you’re looking to use e.g. ask for references and look online.

Ask friends and family to recommend local traders 

Decide who to use in your own time and make sure you have confidence in their skills and abilities.

Make sure you have the full name of the company and the person doing the work and their contact details (address, phone number and email).

Check ID if genuine appointments have been made.

Ask to see professional qualifications, public liability insurance and if applicable waste carriers licence. You can check if a business has a waste carriers licence using the Register of Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers. Unlicensed carriers will often fly-tip your waste at roadsides and beauty spots. You could face an unlimited fine if your waste ends up fly-tipped and you cannot show that you took reasonable steps to prevent it.

Ask exactly what is going to happen to your waste and seek evidence that it is going to be disposed of appropriately. A legitimate, professional waste carrier should not object to being asked reasonable questions.

Get a proper invoice and receipt for your waste and retain this as proof.

Check if you’re entitled to your 14-day cooling-off period 

Ask if the company has an Alternative Dispute Resolution policy – is there any independent body to complain to if things go wrong?

Pay by bank transfer so the payment is traceable. If you can, use a credit card for payments between £100 and £30,000 because if you have a claim for breach of contract or misrepresentation against the supplier of the goods or services, Section 75 gives you the same claim against your credit card company.

If someone knocks on your door and you’re not sure, don’t open the door.

If you are a victim of a scam, report it to Action Fraud.

If a rogue trader or doorstep criminal is on your property now, call the police on 999 straight away.

If you think a rogue trader or doorstep criminal is in your area, call the police on 101.

Hundreds of people every year across Wales fall victim to rogue traders and scammers – from doorstep sellers to cyber criminals – all of whom have the single aim of stealing your money. Anyone can be a victim, so don’t be embarrassed if it happens to you, it’s vital you speak out.

Kind regards,

PS 1803 Jason Ghalamkary