Rogue Traders are cold calling in Croydon borough. Some point out problems with guttering and roofing, or offer to do gardening work or tree trimming. They quote a small amount then start raising the costs to do unnecessary work. They are often unskilled and their ‘work’ will result in damage to your property or trees and gardens. They are also likely to fly tip any waste.
Please DO NOT engage or use the services of anyone who cold calls at your door asking if you want work done or telling you that you have a problem.
In addition, please avoid using ‘platform’ sites where you type in details of work you need doing and then get contacted by a trader. We are receiving increasing numbers of reports where consumers are being targeted by rogue traders via these sites.
These sites do minimal, if any, checks on the traders using those sites, and they are often difficult to trace as they use false details to register to use the site. Please also remember you are giving personal information out to people you do not know.
If you require a trader, please look at the following Approved Trader Schemes:
Trust Mark – www.trustmark.org.uk/find-a-tradesman – 0333 555 1234
Buy With Confidence – www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk – 01392 383 430
Which? Trusted Traders – http://trustedtraders.which.co.uk/ – 0117 405 4689
ALWAYS get several quotes in writing from several traders before having any work done. Ensure it includes a breakdown of costs of labour and materials before having any work done. If you have an emergency – please do not automatically use Google and contact the first results – these are often paid for adverts and increasingly they appear to be linked to rogue traders.
If traders become aggressive or intimidating always call the police on 999.
If you have been scammed or duped into contracting with a business or a trader and parted with money, please report to Citizens Advice Consumer Advice Line on 0808 223 1133 or go to the following website to report online:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue/