Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team is once again warning residents to be wary of rogue traders operating in the area.
A number of complaints have been received in recent weeks from people across the area who have been targeted by hard-selling and aggressive rogue traders, particularly builders.
“These traders, often builders, call on unsuspecting households offering convincing deals to try to get you to agree to having work carried out,” said Robin Wood, the Council’s Principal Trading Standards Officer.
“We know that if you accept work from a these rogue traders you’ll pay much more than you intended for often poor, unnecessary and sometimes dangerous work.”
Trading Standards is urging people to:
- Say no to doorstep sellers;
- Do some research on any trader before agreeing to a contract; read reviews and if possible use the Buy with Confidence Approved Trader Scheme. Check references.
- Never pay up-front and don’t pay by cash.
- Get at least three quotations before any building work starts, and don’t necessarily go for the lowest priced quote as rogue traders often underquote to get the job.
- Always obtain a detailed written quotation/contract.
“Rogue Traders can be polite and charming in order to get work, however this soon changes once they’ve got your money,” said Robin.
“They tend to be particularly active around spring time and will often try to pressure people to make a decision on the spot.
“Be wary if you’re asked to pay a lot of money upfront or the trader does not have any official paperwork to give you.
“People should also be wary of companies which only supply a mobile number on marketing material as it is easy for them to disappear without a trace.”
Trading Standards run an approved trader scheme so if you’re looking for a local business which you can trust then view the Buy with Confidence approved trader scheme: https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/.
If you require advice or are concerned about doorstep crime, report your concerns to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.
