With Autumn upon us and residents starting to think about home improvements, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards officers are warning people not to do business on their doorstep following recent reports of rogue traders cold calling in the Humberston area.
Rogue traders are people who appear to be qualified tradespeople who offer to do work at your home. They may pressure you into having work completed immediately by suggesting that urgent works are required to your property. Other warning signs include requests for large upfront payments, the absence of written quotes and a lack of a physical business address.
Common services offered by rogue traders and unscrupulous cold callers include general building work, gardening work, roofing, repairs and maintenance, and driveway resurfacing.
Trading Standards advice if you need work carrying out:
- Get several quotes from traders known to you, family or friends
- Do not answer the door to traders you do not know or have not asked to visit
- Display a notice to deter cold callers
- People can report cold callers to Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
- Fraudsters also often use social media sites to trick people into parting with their money or personal details. Posts can include investment opportunities, to items and services for sale.
There are many reputable companies in the area, so do your research, and if you arrange for a contractor to come to quote or complete any work; ask to see their ID or credentials when they arrive at your property.
These steps are all part of residents’ domestic duty of care when it comes to getting rid of their rubbish. Making sure your waste goes to someone who is legally allowed to get rid of it is important not only for yourself, but for the environment too.
If you give rubbish to someone who isn’t legally allowed to dispose of it and it’s fly tipped, you will be fined, not them. To avoid using the wrong person, follow these three easy steps:
- Ask for a waste carrier licence
- Check the number on the Environment Agency’s public register at https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers or call 0300 065 3000)
- Check you’ll get a receipt and, if possible, don’t pay until they have provided a genuine document that can be verified, to avoid fakes. Real waste disposal companies will do this without fuss. Pay using a card, not cash, so the payment can be traced and get a proper receipt for that also, on headed paper with the company details clearly printed.
Anyone approached on their doorstep who has concerns or feels threatened should call Humberside Police on 101.
Using Which trusted traders can also be a good way of finding a reputable company. Additionally, there are trade associations that offer mediation in the event of disputes with businesses, such as the Federation of Master Builders.
Further advice on spotting and avoiding rogue traders is available from the Citizens advice website or on 08082231133.
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