Dear resident,

Over the past few weeks there has been an increase in the number of calls to West Mercia Police and our partner agency Worcestershire Trading Standards in relation to rogue traders attending addresses within the Malvern Hills district. 

Rogue traders are people who attend your home address pretending to be qualified tradespeople offering to do work on your home, they will tell you that something needs to be repaired or replaced and may in some cases for example, pretend to take a photo on their phone of your roof after removing several tiles and claim that there is a major damp issue where rain water is leaking in, they will then show you an image (that they already have on their phone) to try and convince you that the work needs to be done urgently. There are numerous types of work rogue traders will carry out, but some examples of the most common types of work they may offer are:-

·  roof repairs

·  cleaning of driveways (tarmac, block paving, gravel, etc.)

·  guttering cleared, cleaned and repaired

·  soffit and fascia replacement

·  painting

·  Repointing brickwork

·  gardening/landscaping/tree surgery

·  solar panels and renewable energy

·  home security

Other types of rogue traders are door-to-door sellers, for example selling:

·  fish

·  household goods (these sellers are sometimes called ‘Nottingham Knockers’)

The best advice is not to deal with anyone who visits your home uninvited. You should not feel bullied, threatened, or pressurised into buying anything or having any work carried out, some may even seem polite or friendly, but that doesn't always mean you can trust them.. Rogue traders and doorstep callers may do unnecessary work, or to a poor standard, or the price may rapidly increase from the amount they initially suggested.

Some rogue traders may not hold the relevant insurance to work on your property or the necessary skills or qualifications to complete the job to an acceptable standard.

Remember:

·  do not buy goods or services from doorstep traders

·  do not open the door if you do not know the caller

·  do not let a stranger into your home

If you wish to purchase a service or goods make sure you or someone you trust looks for that tradesperson or product, rather than someone coming unexpectedly to your address.

·  do display a warning card that you do not buy goods or services at the door

·  do use a door chain on both the front and back door

·  do check ID cards

·  do make a note of any vehicle details (the registration number, any business name, etc.)

·  do report suspicious callers to Trading Standards (the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline number is 0808 223 1133) or the Police on 101, if you feel threatened or afraid call 999

Be suspicious if you are told:

·  the work is urgent, and you need to act quickly

·  there are broken roof tiles, or a leaking gutter, etc. Take your time to get informed and seek the opinion of a reputable trader before making any decisions

Finding a reputable trader:

In order to find a reputable trader, you could:

·  ask family, friends, and neighbours for recommendations

·  ask the trader for a detailed written quote, which should include the trader’s name, address, and contact details. Do not accept a verbal quote

·  get three quotes to compare and do not just be tempted by a low price, or offer to do the work straightway

·  get a written contract specifying the terms

·  ask for references and contact them

·  check relevant Trade Associations for members

General advice

Before using websites where you provide personal information and details of the work that you want, ask and find out:

What checks are carried out by the website or approved scheme operator?

·  are they just advertising businesses, or have the traders been vetted and approved?

What happens if you have a complaint about a trader on their website?

·  do they investigate complaints and help customers?

·  what sanctions do they have?

When carrying out home improvements it is also advisable to be aware of your responsibilities too. For example, some works may require a building regulations compliance certificate.

Reputable traders

Worcestershire Trading Standards Service is not currently partnered with any Approved Trader Schemes, but this is something they are currently exploring and will update this part of their website soon.

What happens after you’ve reported to Trading Standards?

Trading Standards will use the information you give to decide if they’ll investigate. They’ll only contact you if they need more information. Even if Trading Standards don’t contact you, they might use your evidence to take action against the business in the future. For example, if other people make complaints about the same business.

Both Trading Standards and West Mercia Police will contact each other in relation to any rogue trader reports either agency receives. If you have been a victim of rogue traders, we will ask you, a relative or trusted person,  if you’re willing for your contact information to be shared with either agency so that we can make sure you get the best service in relation to the circumstances and any further support if it is required.

Age UK also have the following advice to help protect the elderly and most vulnerable members of our communities.

How can I protect myself from doorstep scams?

Remember, you don't have to open the door to anyone you don't know. If you are opening the door to a stranger, always think: Stop, Lock, Chain and Check.

·  Stop: Are you expecting anyone?

·  Lock: If not, lock any other outer doors before answering the front door, as some scammers work together

·  Chain: Put the door chain on – but remember to take it off again if people with a key, such as a carer or cleaner, need to be able to get in. Look through the peep hole to see who's there

·  Check: Ask for an identity card and examine it carefully. If you're still unsure, phone the company the person says they're from Get the number from a bill or your phone book. Don't worry about leaving someone waiting, if they're who they say they are, they won't mind. If you're being pressured or feel unsafe, contact friends, family or the police

There are some other ways you can avoid doorstep scams, too:

·  Never buy from door-to-door sellers

·  Ask for a 'No cold callers' sign from your local council, or get a printable version online and put it on the front door or in the window

·  Set up a password with your utility providers to be used by anyone they send around, so you can be sure they're genuine

·  Don't be embarrassed to say 'No' or ask people to leave

·  Never sign anything on the spot – take time to think about an offer, even if it seems genuine. When it comes to home improvements, it's always best to get several written quotes before deciding

·  Don't accept deliveries of anything you didn't order that's addressed to you. If you accept them without realising, contact the company they were sent from or the local police

·  Never hand over your bank cards, cash, jewellery or any other valuable items to anyone claiming to be from the police or your bank

·  Remember – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

How do I find a trusted tradesperson near me?

·  Ask family and friends for personal recommendations. This is often the easiest and safest way to find a tradesperson who provides a quality service

·  Use the TrustMark tool to find tradespeople near you. TrustMark is the only government-endorsed scheme for all trades in and around the home. Search for reputable organisations and reliable tradespeople using your postcode

·  Contact your local Age UK. Ask about our ‘Trusted Trader’ scheme or see whether they offer handyperson services

Below are details of those agencies that will be able to offer further advice on their websites and their contact numbers.

Worcestershire Trading Standards on the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline  – 0808 223 1133 - https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/site-search?search_api_fulltext=rogue+traders

Age UK – 0800 678 1602 – Lines open 8am – 7pm, 365 days a year https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/

West Mercia Police – 101 (non emergencies) or 999 in emergencies https://www.westmercia.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/

Action Fraud -  0300 123 2040 https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Malvern Hills District Council – 01684 862250 https://www.malvernhills.gov.uk/

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