Beware of rogue traders cashing in after the storm
Ceredigion County Council Public Protection’s Trading Standards Service is issuing a warning to residents to watch out for unscrupulous traders who may prey on them during bad weather. When extreme weather hits Wales including Ceredigion, as we have seen over the last few days, legitimate traders are in high demand. The recent bout of bad weather, has left many householders with damage to their properties. Unfortunately, weather conditions like these present an opportunity for rogue traders to take advantage of many householders.
Rogue traders usually go door-to-door offering their services and people may be tempted by traders offering work that can begin immediately who quote low prices, but they may come to regret such a decision. Rogue traders often inflate their charges after the work begins and will attempt to threaten or intimidate householders if they refuse to pay. Work is generally done to a very poor standard, often leaving consumers to employ another trader to clear up the mess.
Rogue traders use false names and addresses so that they cannot be easily traced when the work is completed, to a poor or unsafe standard.
If your property has suffered any damage, the Trading Standards Service urges residents to:
- Not agree to any work on the doorstep. Always say no to cold-callers who turn up out of the blue offering to do work on your property.
- Speak to your insurance company first before engaging anyone to carry out repair work. Many insurance companies will have a list of reputable traders that can be called on.
- Use tradesmen recommended by friends and family.
- Get 3 quotes from different and independently sourced traders .
- When gathering quotes it is important to always get these in writing and make sure you get a contract so you know exactly what you are paying for, to help avoid additional costs that you thought were already included in the price.
- Get a written contract, which should include:
- The identity of the trader, their address and telephone number.
- Details of costs and a payment schedule. Never pay the total amount up front and avoid paying cash.
- A timeframe for the work to be completed.
- Details of what will happen with the rubbish to ensure it won’t be fly tipped or illegally dumped.
- The identity and qualifications of any sub-contractors.
- Details of any cancellation requirements, if applicable.
- For contracts over the value of £42, traders must give you a notice that you have 14 days to change your mind and cancel the contract. An exception is if work needs to be carried out in an emergency or at your express request, but you must waive these rights in writing.
- Be wary of using traders recommended on social media.
- Choose a trader that is part of an approved trader scheme.
- Be careful of online reviews as these may not be genuine.
Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Protection, Councillor Matthew Vaux, said: “Rogue traders are opportunists and will see this as a chance to target not just vulnerable people but any householder that has been affected by the recent storms. We want people to be extra vigilant and report any rogue traders to the police and Trading Standards. We also wish to remind residents to always be suspicious if someone arrives on their doorstep, or if they receive an unexpected phone call, claiming their property needs repairs or maintenance of any kind.”
Any Ceredigion resident who has concerns about cold calling or potential scams or wants some pre contract advice can contact the Citizens Advice National Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or 0808 223 1144 for a Welsh-speaking adviser. For advice, guidance and support, visit citizensadvice.org.uk