Watch Out for Rogue Traders

 The council is backing a national campaign urging people not to accept building and maintenance repair offers from cold callers.

Bogus doorstep traders use a range of persuasive and emotional tactics to secure a fast sale and con people out of their money. For example, they often claim their offer is urgent and that if you don’t sign up now you will miss out on the deal. 

They are a particular problem in the summer months when residents may be more susceptible to unsolicited approaches about home repairs and gardening work.

Last week a cold caller attempted to charge an elderly resident in East Putney more than £400 for pressure washing a driveway. The householder reported the incident and the council’s trading standards officers we’re able to intervene before the money changed hands.

Con artists tend to target elderly people who can be less confident and more susceptible to their pushy tactics. The average age of a doorstep con victim is 79. 

Last year the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) received 4,000 complaints about rogue traders overcharging or carrying out shoddy work - an increase of 18 per cent. 

Across the country householders are scammed out of around £8million last year. The average amount lost per person in London was £1,198. Often the victims have to spent thousands more putting right shoddy work.

Earlier this month the council’s trading standards officers teamed up with the police to take part in Operation Liberal – a nationally coordinated crack down on rogue traders.

Wandsworth’s operation targeted white van drivers and domestic building sites in Tooting and Earlsfield. Checks were made to ensure work was being carried out legally and that traders were advising their customers of their right to a seven day “cooling off” cancellation period. 

Officers also spoke to homeowner to ensure that they were satisfied with the service and workmanship they had received. Ten offences were uncovered, resulting in two confiscated vans and one arrest.

Wandsworth’s spokesman on consumer protection Cllr Sarah McDermott said:

“While it is not illegal for handymen to canvas for work door to door, this type of rogue trading is a serious problem. Together with the police we’re sending a clear message that doorstep fraudsters will not be tolerated in this borough and anyone caught will face the full penalty.

“We’re also teaching our residents to become more aware of the risks of doorstep sellers and the tricks they use to get you to agree to house repairs. We want people to be able to spot their manipulative tactics and to have the confidence to refuse to make on the spot decisions about costly home repairs.

“Residents can to do their bit to help shut down these con artists by reporting doorstep sellers in their area and keeping an eye out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours who could be at risk.”

Homeowner in need of repairs or building work should use a business that is recommended by a friend or family member or one that is listed in a local approved trader scheme such as Trustmark. 

It’s advisable to obtain at least three quotations so prices can be compared and homeowners should avoid paying cash up front before work starts.

If you are cold called by a rogue trader report the incident to the council’s trading standards team on 0208 871 7720. To contact your local police safer neighbourhoods team visit www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods

For more consumer protection advice call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

To find an approved builder visit www.Trustmark.org.uk