Doorstep criminals and rogue traders call on unsuspecting households offering convincing deals to try to get you to agree to having work carried out.
If you accept work from a doorstep criminals or rogue trader you'll likely pay much more than you intended for very poor, unnecessary and sometimes dangerous work.
Doorstep criminals and rogue traders rarely provide paperwork so they can't be traced once they've left your home. Names, addresses and business details are often false and telephone numbers don't get answered. They have no interest in doing work properly, their only concern is getting the cash and disappearing before Trading Standards or the Police can catch up with them.
Protect yourself
To stop doorstep criminals and rogue traders, remember that you must never:
• Agree for work on your house or garden by someone who knocks at your door uninvited
• Give money to or sign any forms for people who turn up on your doorstep
• Open the door to strangers or allow uninvited callers into your home
• Let somebody take you to the bank to get money for them
Reputable builders, roofers and gardeners do not cold call. If you need a tradesperson contact Kent’s Trading Standards Approved trader scheme Checkatrade on: 03330 146 190 or visit their website for more information at the link here >> www.checkatrade.com/kent
Remember to always get 3 quotes, never pay up front and don’t pay by cash.
If you are buying goods from someone on your doorstep costing more than £42, the law says you have 14 days to change your mind and ask for your money back. This is known as the ‘cooling off’ period.
Never give out your bank details or PIN and never transfer money out of your bank account if asked to do so for ‘security reasons’.
Remember to keep your front and back doors locked. If you are not sure about the caller, no matter how persuasive they are.
Doorstep criminals and rogue traders have been known to return to the homes of people who have previously had poor work carried out, pretending to be a Police or Trading Standards Officers. They will say arrests have been made and a court case is currently in progress. This is when they will ask for money for all sorts of reasons.
Report it
You can report a doorstep criminal, rogue trader or a scam to Trading Standards by contacting the National Citizens Advice Consumer Service Helpline on: 03454 04 05 06 or visit their website at the link here >> www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue
They will send details of your report to Kent County Council Trading Standards on your behalf.
If you feel afraid or threatened by a doorstep caller, phone: 999
For non-urgent calls, phone Kent Police on: 101
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