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In this issue:
 Trading Standards are warning residents to be vigilant and on their guard for rogue traders as reports across the city of such activity have increased.
This summer, we have already received reports where residents have been talked into paying large sums of money for poor quality gardening work, overpriced pressure washing of driveways, as well as ‘new’ substandard driveways, and roofing repairs.
This year, we have the added pressure of lockdown due to COVID-19, which has seen ‘doorstep cleaning services’ offered, making claims that it will kill bacteria, and help prevent the spread of the virus.
Claims are made that these callers have noticed work that ‘needs’ doing as they drove past and cheap, simple jobs such as guttering work quickly escalate into more extensive works as they ‘notice’ more and more issues that need doing. Unfortunately, the targets of these people are often our elderly, vulnerable residents.
A rogue trader will usually start with a low price to increase the chance of people agreeing to the work, but then, they will increase the price without warning or explanation and pressure for the increased payment.
Trading Standards advise people never to enter into any contract at their doorsteps. Rogue traders will attempt to frighten and pressurise into having work done which often isn’t necessary at all. They will usually only accept cash and often leave none or very limited paperwork as they do not want to be traced once the work is done.
How to deal with callers at your door:
- Be on your guard if someone turns up unexpectedly.
- Keep front and back doors locked.
- Fit a door chain or bar – use it and keep it on when talking to callers at the door.
- If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door.
- Don’t feel embarrassed - genuine callers expect you to be careful.
- Always ask for identification badges of anyone you answer the door to, but don’t rely on them. Identity cards can be faked – phone the company to verify their identity. Don’t worry about keeping the person waiting outside – a genuine official will not mind waiting
- Anyone agreeing to a contract in their own home costing more than £42 is legally entitled to a 14-day cancellation period where they can change their mind. If you are not given cancellation rights, do not sign up.
- Never agree to pay for any goods or services to anyone trying to business at your door.
- Don’t keep large amounts of money in your home.
- Remember, it’s your home. There’s no reason why anyone should ever enter your home against your wishes.
- If you feel in danger or threatened at any time call 999 immediately!
Also, be wary of leaflets posted through your door offering services; this can be just another way an unscrupulous trader will attempt to persuade you to have work done.
REMEMBER - a trader who ignores any request by you to leave your home and not return commits a criminal offence.
Another consideration is that by employing some doorstep tradespeople, you could also unwittingly become party to modern day slavery.
Modern slavery includes human trafficking and holding human beings in slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour. It is quite often the case that vulnerable men are forced into manual labour. They will then receive very little pay and have to put up with poor living conditions.
Ask yourself, why is one company’s block paving so drastically cheaper than the rest? Think about the gardeners whose rates were so reasonable – did their workers look well-fed and have any breaks?
If you have any concerns or believe someone working at your property may be being exploited, report it by calling the Modern Slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700 or going online.
If you do need work on your property or garden, use a reputable local trader recommended and used by friends or family or someone who has been vetted and is part of TrustMark, the government-endorsed scheme for all trades in and around the home. TrustMark can be contacted on 0333 555 1234
Watch this video to see how victims are targeted and the impact it can have
With thanks to Kent County Council Trading Standards in partnership with Slough TS, Public Protection Partnership, Oxfordshire TS, Medway TS, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Police, and the Kent PCC who have produced this video.
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For more information on scams, visit: www.coventry.gov.uk/scams
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