A WARNING has been given about rogue traders trying to cash in on storm damage.
Police this week put out a message to alert the area’s householders to the issue.
A force spokesperson said: “With Storm Eowyn now passed, we are aware that it left behind significant damage to properties. You may have been busy trying to get someone to come and repair or make safe the damage caused to your property.
“We are aware of Rogue Traders who have been operating throughout the region offering to carry out work, then carrying it out to a very poor standard and demanding more money than originally quoted. “Rogue Traders will knock on your door or drop a leaflet through the door. It can be tempting to use these people as you are concerned that further damage may be caused to your property if the repair is not done immediately.”
But officers warned that some are a scam and can have a devastating effect on victims, from disruption to their homes, or property and financial loss.
And they shared advice on how to spot a rogue trader:
“The most common types of work offered are roofing, driveways, and gardening. They mainly operate during the spring and summer months when lots of people are looking to get work done around the house and garden,” the spokesperson said.
Rogue traders often:
* Offer to do small jobs cheaper than competitors. However, once started they claim that urgent and more expensive repair work is needed.
* Claim they can start immediately and offer special discounted deals if you pay in cash now, trying to rush your decision.
* Have a local telephone number and claim to have a local business premises. Telephone numbers can now be purchased, and business units can be let short term.
* They may even drive a branded vehicle and have a website that they can direct you to and are able to supply a business card.
Anyone suspecting suspicious activity should call 101, or 999 if they feel scared or threatened.
Other tips to deter scammers include:
* request a No Cold Calling sticker from Trading Standards.
* Always ask for identification.
* Consult your local Trusted Trader Scheme.
* Never feel pressured into making a decision on the spot.
* Never agree to a trader starting work straight away and never hand over money without seeing proper paperwork.
* Never be afraid to say, ‘No thank you’ and close the door.
