MORE rogue traders are expected to target Warwickshire residents as the weather begins to improve.
Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is expecting an increase in complaints about doorstep rogue traders and is urging residents to be on their guard.
Officers are currently investigating rogue trader incidents, supporting elderly and vulnerable residents, and cracking down on illegal and misleading roadside advertising used by unscrupulous traders to promote their businesses.
Spokesman Mark Ryder said: “We work closely with our community partners to ensure that all of our residents, including the most vulnerable, remain safe and protected.We would therefore strongly urge residents not to buy from unexpected doorstep traders or from people who make telephone cold calls, offering their services.
“Rogue traders can be very convincing, often claiming that residents need repairs carried out to their properties when this is simply not the case.
“They may make bogus claims to try and get you to agree a job including claiming they are working on a neighbour’s property. They may even say they work for the local council.
“If your property needs work, whether it be repairs to your roof, more home insulation, a new driveway or gardening, take your time when choosing a trader and follow our top tips.”
Signs to look out for include low quotes for services including gardening, roof tiling, driveway repairs and guttering. Costs may soon rise and they often find more work ‘that needs doing urgently’.
While rogue traders often operate door to door, they also advertise on the roadside and with the use of flyers. They may even have their own websites.
The service warns residents to refuse goods or services from people who unexpectedly phone or knock on their door, and, should they require work doing, to seek quotes from reputable traders with verifiable names and addresses. Social media is also a popular resource for recommendations.
Officers also advise people to ensure a contract is drawn up and to make sure the contractor is properly insured before any work goes ahead.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards for more advice.
