Advice from trading standards

A warning from trading standards

Rogue traders often operate in the Telford area, please read the warning below.

Rogue traders may be difficult to recognise as often they will use smart new vans and professional looking leaflets or flyers. The rogue trader typically calls at the doorstep uninvited or telephones unexpectedly offering one or more of the following services:

• driveway repair, tarmacing, block paving, driveway jet washing
• roof repairs, roof jet washing or roof painting
• gardening and tree lopping
• mobility aids, e.g. scooters, chair lifts, beds to help people with mobility difficulties
• general external building repairs.

If you are at all unsure, tell the caller that you do not deal with people you have not asked to call.

The rogue trader will have no formal training to carry out the work and some have links to distraction burglary.

If you think a rogue trader is working in your area, please report it immediately by calling one of the following numbers below:

• Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133
• Trading Standards: 01952 381 999
• Police: 101 (non emergency)
• Police: 999 (emergency only)

Before you start

Take your time and consider the following before you employ a trader:

• don’t let doorstep callers, who just happen to be in the area, talk you into a spur of the moment decision, however good the deal appears to be
• obtain at least three quotes in writing for any work, check all the things you asked for are included in the quote and make sure it includes a timescale
• ask friends and neighbours if they can recommend anyone
• ask the trader how long they have been in business and whether they have a business address you can visit
• ask the trader if you can see any work they have done for other customers locally
• if the trader claims to be a member of a trade association, make checks with the association yourself
• if you have any doubts about the trader, don’t rush into agreeing to have the work done by them, take time to make any checks you feel are necessary.

Once work has started

Once you have employed a trader, follow these tips to help ensure the job is finished satisfactorily and on time:

• avoid paying a large deposit before work starts or materials have been delivered, although be aware that large projects may require staged payments
• don’t pay without obtaining a signed receipt from the trader
• don’t pay for ‘extras’ if you have agreed a fixed price before the work starts
• don’t make a final payment until you are happy that the work has been completed satisfactorily.

Last updated: 20/07/2022 09:43