Don’t get burnt by rogue traders this summer

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jul 20, 2011

During the summer months, local residents may be more susceptible to unsolicited approaches about home repairs and gardening work.

As part of its national campaign to warn people about rogue doorstep traders, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is urging people to be cautious and remember it is your doorstep, your decision and not to accept building and maintenance repair offers from cold callers.

Research has found that bogus doorstep traders often use a range of persuasive and emotional tactics to secure a fast sale and con people out of their money, for example you are made to feel that there is a great urgency in the offer and that if you don’t sign up now, you will miss out.

Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council and Executive Member for Communities, Housing & Social Justice, Cllr Judith Woodman said, “British summer weather is notoriously unpredictable so when the sun does shine we all want enjoy our homes and gardens. We want to support people in Cardiff to become more aware of the risks of doorstep sellers and the tricks they use to get you to agree to house repairs.  We want people to have the courage to refuse making on the spot decisions about buying costly home repairs that they may not need.

“While it is not illegal for handymen to canvas for work in this manner, rogue doorstep trading is an ongoing problem in the UK.  Decisions made on the doorstep may result in you agreeing to work or a service that isn’t necessary, of a poor standard, much more expensive than quoted or not done at all – leaving you out of pocket and often in need of more expense to set the problem right.  Our campaign wants to highlight this issue and ensure that homeowners take the time to consider their decisions carefully, with the support of family and friends.”

According to advice service Consumer Direct, over 5,000 complaints were received last year about uninvited home maintenance traders, with the most common five complaints being about roofing, tarmacing and insulation.  The OFT’s doorstep selling campaign aims to remind people to be cautious of doorstep sellers’ pitches and avoid making snap decisions.

For advice on doorstep selling, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040 506 or visit www.direct.gov.uk