Trading Standards issues rogue trader warning after Storm Éowyn
Are you aware of how rogue traders operate when they come calling after a storm and you are stressed out due to bad weather damage ? The Trading Standards Service has issued a warning.
The Department for the Economy’s Trading Standards Service (TSS) is cautioning residents to watch out for unscrupulous traders who may attempt to take advantage of the damage caused by Storm Éowyn.
Residents across the country have reported extensive and widespread damage to their properties following the recent storm, with many households likely to need substantial repairs to roofs, fences, windows, guttering and gardens.
Many people will now be looking to find reputable tradespeople to repair the harm caused to their property. In the hurry to get homes fixed, consumers will attempt to employ tradespeople either online, using trader recommendation sites, or following a cold call at their home.
Consumers may be tempted by traders offering repair work that can begin immediately and who quote low prices. Unfortunately, rogue traders often inflate their charges after the work begins and may even attempt to threaten or intimidate householders if they refuse to pay. In such cases, work is often done to a very poor standard, leaving consumers out of pocket and needing to employ another trader to clear up the mess.
Damien Doherty, Trading Standards Chief Inspector, said: “Rogue traders are opportunists and always too quick to exploit people’s unfortunate circumstances.
“Following the severe damage caused by Storm Éowyn, they are likely to use this as the ideal time to target consumers who may require urgent repairs to be carried out on their properties.”
TSS offers the following advice for consumers seeking to have home repair work carried out:
- If you have home insurance, it’s important to contact your insurer as soon as you can to check that you are covered for storm damage.
- Ask your neighbours, family and friends for trader recommendations.
- Speak to previous customers for references and view the work, where possible.
- Check if they are a member of a trade body with an arbitration scheme.
- Take your time and do not be pressurised into making a decision.
- Get at least three written quotes to compare.
- Never agree to work on the doorstep. Always say no to cold callers who turn up out of the blue offering to do work on your property no matter how convincing they may seem.
- Never pay for work up front and part pay by card for added protection.
- Only pay for work once you are happy that it has been completed to the agreed standard.
- Always get a detailed written contract and agree a fixed price.
- Ensure you are provided with the name of the trader, their address and telephone number.
- Be careful when using online trader recommendation sites and be aware that traders who respond to requests for work have not been approved by the platform.
- Be careful of online reviews as these may not be genuine.
Anyone who wants further advice or information should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or email:
[email protected]xa0xa0
