B
e aware of unannounced rogue traders arriving on your doorstep. That’s the advice given by Monmouthshire County Council’s trading standards officers during the summer months which traditionally reflect an increase in complaints about spur-of-the-moment offers of home maintenance work.
Last year, advice service Consumer Direct received more than 5,300 complaints, a 16 per cent rise from the previous year, with reports peaking in the summer months from July through to the autumn.
Supported by several high profile stars including Esther Rantzen, the Office of Fair Trading is driving an awareness campaign urging householders to be cautious and take time to think about unexpected callers. Rogue doorstep traders will often offer services at attractive rates and use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions.
Consumer Direct figures during 2009 show roofing jobs received the most complaints (28 per cent), with tarmac and paving close behind with 23 per cent. Insulation, general building work and guttering were among other trades offered.
It is not illegal for handymen to canvas in this way, but it is important that people are cautious and avoid hurried decisions. Rogue doorstep trading is an ongoing problem in the UK and work or service carried out can sometimes be unnecessary, of a poor standard, much more expensive than originally quoted or not done at all.
Fair Trading Officer for Monmouthshire Trading Standards Sue Hollin offers the following advice on how people can avoid these scams:
- do not agree to on the spot house repairs, or sign anything on the spot.
- be wary of special offers or warnings that your house is unsafe.
- do not make snap decisions. Take time to talk to someone you trust before you make a decision.
- if in doubt, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06
