Rogue Traders; Solicited / Unsolicited Callers

We urge you not to employ traders who call at your door.

The work undertaken can sometimes be unnecessary, overpriced, of a poor standard or not done at all. Typically, they have no formal training to carry out the work and some may have links with distraction burglars.

Over recent years, Trading Standards services has also identified an increase in incidents where residents have invited traders to quote for work, (known as solicited visitors), that unfortunately has also resulted in ongoing difficulties. Some of these complainants had already undertaken research into the traders.

Rogue traders are often predatory and tend to target vulnerable residents. If you have an elderly or vulnerable family member having work done around the home, it is always worth taking some time to understand the situation before any money changes hand.

Avoiding Rogue Traders; Hints & Tips

1. Never agree to work offered by unsolicited doorstep callers. Simply say ‘no thank you’ and close the door. Genuine traders will understand your caution.

2. Research the traders you are looking to use. Just because a trader indicates they belong to an approved scheme, it does not guarantee the quality of their work. It’s worth getting genuine recommendations & obtaining at least 3 written quotes.

3. As part of your research, use the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Trader Register that allows residents to search for traders committed to doing a good job at a fair price. You can find more information over at Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Trader Register | Trader Scheme.

4. You can reverse search images used by traders to advertise work they have done. This simply involves searching the internet with an image to understand its authenticity. You can do this over at TinEye Reverse Image Search.

5. To can find out more information on any Limited Company over at https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/search/.

6. Most good builders will have a significant lead time, (anything from 6 months to 2 years) so don’t be tempted to cut corners to get the work to start sooner.

7. Don’t be swayed by glossy flyers or impressive websites that might not show the trader’s own work. Be wary too of posts or recommendations on social media sites that might not be genuine.

8. Beware of callers offering time limited deals or promotions. Common tactics used by rogue traders include;

• Knocking at your door & saying they have noticed a problem with your home that they can fix.
• Offering to do the work quicky as they are ‘working up the road’ or have finished work for a property nearby.
• Saying they have leftover materials from another job that they can use on your home.
• Overstaying their welcome & remaining at the door until you agree to do the work.

9. Display a no cold calling card in your front door. These are issued free of charge from your Trading Standards team.

10. Don’t allow anyone to pressure you into having work carried out. Rogue traders will often suggest that guttering, roofing, gardening or paving work is in need of urgent repair. Genuine traders would not pressure you into making a decision.

Reporting a Rogue Trader

You contact Staffordshire Trading Standards Confidential hotline on 01785 330356 to report local doorstep crime and protect vulnerable persons.

You can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 where you will be given advice and guidance on what steps you will need to take to resolve the issue.

Contact the consumer helpline - Citizens Advice