Clampdown on Rogue Traders

Organised by Operation Liberal and supported by Thames Valley Police, MK Trading Standards made spot checks on traders working in the area, and spoke with homeowners to make sure they had been issued with the correct paperwork and were happy with work being carried out.

It is not illegal for traders to sell at the door and legitimate callers will be happy for you to verify they are genuine.

Rogue Traders often offer maintenance services at attractive rates, and encourage hasty decision making.

Resulting work is often substandard.

“Distraction crimes and scams continue to occur and the victims are swindled out of their life savings for unnecessary and overpriced work which has a detrimental effect on the victims health and their confidence,” explained Andrew Luckett, office manger for Operation Liberal.

“We will continue to carry out operations like this and remind the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or concerns about an individual offering to carry out work to the relevant agency.”

Sue Crawley, Trading Standards Team Leader, added: “For work costing over £42 and where the contract is formed in a place away from the trader’s business address, there is a requirement in law for traders to provide cancellation rights.”

“We find that rogue traders do not give cancellation rights and they also pressurise people to have the work started straight away. I would urge residents not to deal at the door.

“If work is required check for local traders on the Buy with Confidence scheme,” she added.

Cases of rogue traders or uninvited doorstep callers should be reported to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.