Rogue Traders Spring-ing up all over South Glos

South Gloucestershire Trading Standards would like to reiterate to residents to be wary of those visiting unexpectedly and offering their services.   As Spring approaches, the weather improves and the nights draw out many rogue traders take advantage of this and start targeting residents.

Trading Standards have been made aware of rogue traders recently offering a variety of services which include driveway resurfacing/sealing/cleaning, wall repairs, garden services, roofing repairs, as well as fascias and guttering maintenance.

Incidents such as these are also linked to distraction burglaries and residents are encouraged to report them toTrading Standards.

There are a number of steps residents can take to try and avoid becoming the victim of a rogue trader.

Be wary of traders who cold call and the deals they offer you – it is unusual for genuine tradesmen to need to cold call to drum up work!

• Do not allow any unknown and unexpected visitor into your home.
• If they claim work needs doing, get a second or even third opinion from other professional tradesman.
• If you agree to work you are afforded cancellation rights by law, and these should be given to you in writing. It is a criminal offence not to provide these in certain circumstances.
• Ensure you have the correct company name and/or owners name and the full postal address – this will not guarantee the work is done satisfactorily but may enable you to take further action if things go wrong.
• If you are unhappy or feel intimidated by the visitor – shut the door and call the police.

If you believe you have fallen victim to a rogue trader, or would like some further pre-shopping advice, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

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