In light of two successful recent prosecutions of rogue traders involving roofing work scams, Bromley Trading Standards is again reminding and warning residents to avoid dealing with doorstep callers.
The prosecutions and the warning seek to protect residents who are being targeted by unscrupulous traders, with Trading Standards also encouraging readers to share the news with older family members, friends and neighbours who may be seen as vulnerable and therefore targeted.
In the latest prosecutions, two rogue traders were each prosecuted for fraud by representation where residents were defrauded for a combined total of over £50,000 for roofing and other works, underlining the seriousness of what residents face when dealing with rogue traders.
Protecting residents from rogue traders continues to be a top priority for Bromley Trading Standards, and you can read more about the recent prosecutions on the Bromley Council website.
With hopefully better weather soon upon us and more of us starting to think about home repairs or improvements, residents are reminded not to deal with doorstep traders where they risk being substantially overcharged. Sometimes, a doorstep trader will only do a fraction of what was quoted, leaving residents with an incomplete job.
Don't:
- Don't contact traders via leaflets that are delivered through the door – without making thorough checks beforehand
- Don't pay large sums of money in advance – schedule payment as works progress
- Don't be rushed into deciding – seek advice first from someone you trust
Do:
- Do get a minimum of 3 written quotes – prepare a clear detailed brief beforehand
- Do seek references, read reliable reviews, ask to visit previous jobs
- Do check directly with any reputable organisation named or whose logo is shown on a leaflet/website to make sure the trader is affiliated – if not, report to Bromley Trading Standards
- Do get a contract in writing before works commence. Check the T&Cs. You should be entitled to a 14-day cooling off period – with full written cancellation information and not just a mention on a leaflet or a tick box to say you agree
- Do check and verify a trader's insurance
If you, a neighbour, or someone you know is being affected by rogue traders, please contact our Rapid Response line on 07903 852090.
Find reputable roofer and other traders on Trading Standards Checked.
Report
For help and advice, and to report a rogue trader, contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website
You can also visit the rogue traders webpage for more information.
Bromley Trading Standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley Trading Standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.