Choosing a trader and avoiding rogue traders

Cold callers and rogue traders often:

• target older and more vulnerable people
• change from being very friendly to extremely intimidating
• demand more money than first agreed upon

Call the police if you think rogue traders or other doorstep criminals are active in your area. Record the registration plates of any vehicles being used by them.

If you have a local neighbourhood watch scheme, tell the coordinators .

You can also find out more about reporting a trading standards issue.

How rogue traders may act

Rogue doorstep traders usually point out something wrong with your roof or gutters. They sometimes fraudulently gain access to a property and then invent a problem that needs urgent attention. For example, they may say they're working on your neighbour's property and need access to yours to check a leak or some other problem. Do not believe such stories no matter how plausible they seem.

Be wary of responding to leaflets delivered through your letterbox or using websites where you place your job needs online for traders to contact you.

You should:

• not answer the door to anyone you’re not expecting -  but if you do, just say no
• tell them you have a friend or relative that helps you, or that you do not need what they’re offering and close the door
• tell them you’ll call the police if they do not leave
• make sure you have a security chain on your door and always use it

For major works, pay in stages against an agreed plan of work. Rogue traders disappear once you've paid them, without finishing a job or sometimes not even starting it at all.

You can also read:

• advice on keeping your home safe from Victim Support
• advice on avoiding doorstep crime from London Trading Standards