Rogue traders rip down guttering
Itinerant rogue traders who rip down the guttering of residents homes without their permission are door knocking in the Warwick and Leamington Spa area warn Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service.
One Leamington Spa resident was approached on the doorstep by a man who claimed that on the ‘recommendation’ of a neighbour he had been asked to look at the gutters on the front of the property. The resident agreed to have some minor work done to his porch guttering at a cost of £160, but when the rogue trader arrived the following day they pulled down his main guttering and then claimed it could not be realigned.
The rogue trader then offered to replace it with plastic guttering at a cost of £1200.
The cowboy builder did not provide his name and used a false address. The Trading Standards Service is investigating the case and no money was paid.
Mark Ryder, Head of Warwickshire Trading Standards said:
“As it is so difficult to tell a good trader from a bad one on the doorstep, it might be easier just to keep your door closed. Keep the chain on your door and never allow uninvited callers in to your home.”
Dealing with Doorstep Traders
· Fix a security chain to your door, and make sure you use it every time someone calls.
· Always ask yourself - do I really want these goods or services?
· Don’t agree to buy goods or services from the first person who comes knocking on your door - shop around.
· If you don’t want to speak to the person, don’t open your door to them. It can be hard to distinguish the good traders from the cowboys; it might be easier to keep the door closed.
· If you feel threatened, call the Police.
Consumers who require advice, or who wish to report a rogue trader can do so by phoning Consumer Direct West Midlands on 08454 040506.
Consumers can also report problem traders (anonymously if they wish), online at: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/reportascam
For more information on scams, visit our website: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/latestscams