Trading Standards Officers are urging residents to be aware and to tell the authorities if rogue traders cold call in their area offering to do gardening, tree cutting, tarmacing, roof repairs and general odd jobs.
The arrival of poor weather conditions can bring out traders looking for work door to door. These traders can do a poor job and subsequently charge over the odds for that work, ask for cash and then simply disappear. They are usually untraceable when things go wrong as they give false names, addresses and phone numbers.
Denbighshire Trading Standards urge people to be on their guard and to follow these simple steps to avoid being caught out:
- Be cautious with anyone who turns up at your door without an appointment.
- Ask for identification and get comprehensive contact details. A mobile telephone number is not good enough!
- Always make sure you get a written quote for any work to be carried out including written cancellation rights.
- Only pay after the work has been satisfactorily complete
- If in doubt, keep them out!
Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire’s Public Protection Manager said “We are concerned that unscrupulous traders may try and take advantage of people on their own doorstep.
“Unfortunately there are people who prey on the vulnerability of others, don’t become a victim of these cowboy con men. If work needs doing then make your own appointments with reputable tradesmen – if you didn’t call them then don’t use them.
Genuine trades people will welcome you asking for references and identification, check them both carefully.”
Anyone wanting advice on doorstep trading, or to report an incident, can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 (03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language) which gives free, independent and impartial advice on all consumer issues, or the police on 101. Any person feeling intimidated or threatened by any doorstep seller should shut the door and call the police emergency number 999.
