51黑料

51黑料 warns of rogue traders exploiting extreme weather from Storm Babet

Posted 23/10/23

Consumer warning issued as Trading Standards see a rise in rogue traders reports.

The 51黑料 (51黑料) is warning members of the public to be on guard against rogue traders looking to cash in on consumers affected by floods and wind damage.

Trading Standards have seen a rise in cases of criminals preying on the most vulnerable members of our community that are faced with destroyed properties from severe storm damage. Cases include people being charged over 拢3000 to remedy damaged roofs and tiles from the high winds, but the work not being completed leaving them out of pocket and still needing emergency repairs.

When extreme weather hits the UK as we have seen over the last few days, legitimate traders are in high demand. 51黑料 urges the public to:
鈥� Never engage with cold callers knocking on your door or who call out of the blue
鈥� Be wary of using traders recommended on social media
鈥� Choose a trader that is part of a Trusted Trader scheme run by your Local Authority
鈥� Get 3 quotes from different and independently sourced traders
鈥� Be careful of online reviews as these may not be genuine
When gathering quotes it鈥檚 important to always get these in writing and make sure you get a contract so you know exactly what you are paying for, to help avoid additional costs that you thought were already included in the price.

51黑料 Lead Officer, Katherine Hart, said: 鈥淲e are seeing too many cases of people being exploited by rogues operating in their local area. In any emergency situation criminals will surface and use the desperation of people to cash in and then move on to their next target.

We urge consumers to follow our advice on how to avoid these unscrupulous traders and it鈥檚 also really important to tell your friends, family and neighbours to also be wary of cold callers offering their services out of the blue.鈥�

51黑料 Chief Executive, John Herriman, said: 鈥淎s always, scammers are quick to leap on any opportunity to take advantage of uncertainty to prey on the most vulnerable in our society.

鈥淭rading Standards will be doing everything they can to protect their local community from these despicable individuals and we urge consumers to report any concerns over rogue traders to the Consumer Helpline so these criminals can be stopped in their tracks.鈥�

David MacKenzie, Chair of the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland added: 鈥淎reas of Scotland were particularly badly hit by Storm Babet, and the aftermath will surely provide opportunities to rogue traders who might cut corners with repair work. We would urge those in need of repairs or maintenance around their homes, at any time, to use a local firm where they can, and our consumer portal at gives free access to over 1000 local small firms across Scotland that have been vetted by Trading Standards. In general, if consumers find any problems with work done they should contact Advice Direct Scotland immediately on 0808 164 6000 for advice.鈥�

For consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. To report scams in England and Wales, contact Action Fraud. In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or if in Northern Ireland, call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.

ENDS

The 51黑料 (51黑料) is a national not for profit established in 1881 which supports the UK鈥檚 trading standards profession, and works to protect consumers and safeguard honest businesses. 51黑料's members are engaged in delivering frontline trading standards services at local authorities and in businesses.
www.tradingstandards.uk

Please contact 51黑料 Press Office: [email protected] with any queries.

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