A warning has been issued to anyone answering their doors in the coming months.
St Helens Borough Council's Trading Standards service has seen an increase in doorstep trading in recent weeks, especially through roof, guttering and chimney work. With warmer weather on the way, people are being urged to remain vigilant against rogue traders.
Rogue traders may cold call or post a leaflet through the door, or respond to a job posted online. Often, work includes general building works, extensions, roofing repairs and driveway or garden maintenance.
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However, prices are "usually excessive" and people are often charged more than agreed for work that is of poor quality, and in some cases "dangerous".
St Helens Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business and Skills, said: "Rogue traders are often opportunistic and unscrupulous, targeting the most vulnerable in our communities for profit. We work closely with our community partners to help ensure that our residents including the most vulnerable, remain safe and protected.
"We would therefore strongly urge residents not to buy from unexpected doorstep traders or from people who make telephone cold calls, offering their services. Rogue traders can be very convincing, often claiming that residents need repairs carried out to their properties when this is simply not the case.
"They may make bogus claims to try and get you to agree a job including claiming they are working on a neighbour's property. They may even say they work for the local council.
"If your property needs work, repairs to your roof, more home insulation, a new driveway or gardening, take your time when choosing a trader and follow our top tips."
Doorstep criminals in particular also rarely provide paperwork so they can't be traced once they've left people's homes.
St Helens Borough Council's Trader Register has been set up to help local consumers and businesses in the region, providing a list of local businesses that have been checked for compliance with the consumer protection rules applicable to their trade.
The council's top tips against rogue traders:
- Rogue traders often operate door to door but will also advertise through flyers or their own website, offering work including gardening, roof tiling, driveway repairs and guttering.
- Rogue traders quote low prices, but costs soon rise and they often find more work that needs doing urgently. They may appear genuine but addresses used are often fake.
- Never employ anyone who cold calls at your home and be wary if they can start immediately.
- If you are interested in having work done on your property, seek quotes from reputable traders with verifiable names and addresses. Try to visit their premises and ask to see examples of their work.
- It's becoming increasingly popular for people looking for a good trader to seek recommendations on social media. Using a recommended trader is a good idea, but make sure you still do your own checks.
- Don't rely upon verbal agreements, make sure everything you want done and how much it will cost is in a written contract before your trader starts work.
- Get the full name and address of the trader and their bank details for payment purposes so that you know who you are entering a contract with. Avoid cash payments and don't pay in full until you're completely satisfied with the work.
- If you agree to work and it starts but becomes evident that it is not what you asked for or very poor quality tell the trader to stop immediately and do not part with any cash until you have had a second opinion from another tradesman.
- You have 14 days to cancel any purchase of goods or services over £42 that you make in your home. If someone won't give you written notice telling you how and to whom you must give your cancellation - they commit a criminal offence.
Further advice on rogue trading or to report a rogue trader, visit the Citizens Advice website or call 0808 223 1133.
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