Carmarthenshire doorstep warning
Carmarthenshire Trading Standards Service is again advising residents to be on their guard against rogue traders who call uninvited to look for work.
This follows a recent spate of incidents where elderly people have been targeted by unscrupulous traders offering services such as roof cleaning, painting and decorating and other repairs.
In some cases, large amounts of cash have been requested before work starts and in some incidents the consumer, usually elderly, has been taken to a bank to withdraw money.
Trading Standards Manager Roger Edmunds said: “We have noticed a significant increase in such incidents recently and it may be down to the current economic climate.
“We would urge residents not to agree on their doorstep to have work done, especially if the trader is asking for a large deposit.
“If your property is in need of maintenance then Trading Standards does maintain a register of general builders and other related trades. We would always recommend taking some time to think about what needs doing and obtain two or three quotes from other traders.”
Executive board member for housing and public protection Cllr Hugh Evans said: “Householders who want to find someone to carry out work should contact the council’s Registered Traders Scheme.
“They should beware of employing traders who cold call on them looking for work.”
From a legal point of view, if residents do enter into a contract with a trader at their home then they should be given a written notice laying down their right to a seven-day cooling-off period. Failure to do this is a criminal offence.
Recent legislation has now made it easier for Trading Standards to deal with unscrupulous doorstep callers who prey on the elderly and vulnerable. Victims of doorstep crime are encouraged to come forward to report incidents in order that assistance can be given.
Anyone who is concerned about a trader that they have contracted with or an elderly neighbour or relative can contact Trading Standards. If a matter is urgent then they should contact the police. Traders requiring advice on their legal requirements when contracting with a customer at their home are encouraged to contact Trading Standards for advice and guidance on 01267 234567.
A list of Registered Traders is available from the Council by contacting 01267 234567 or via www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk.
Anyone requiring general consumer advice should ring Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 (Welsh-speaking line).
This follows a recent spate of incidents where elderly people have been targeted by unscrupulous traders offering services such as roof cleaning, painting and decorating and other repairs.
In some cases, large amounts of cash have been requested before work starts and in some incidents the consumer, usually elderly, has been taken to a bank to withdraw money.
Trading Standards Manager Roger Edmunds said: “We have noticed a significant increase in such incidents recently and it may be down to the current economic climate.
“We would urge residents not to agree on their doorstep to have work done, especially if the trader is asking for a large deposit.
“If your property is in need of maintenance then Trading Standards does maintain a register of general builders and other related trades. We would always recommend taking some time to think about what needs doing and obtain two or three quotes from other traders.”
Executive board member for housing and public protection Cllr Hugh Evans said: “Householders who want to find someone to carry out work should contact the council’s Registered Traders Scheme.
“They should beware of employing traders who cold call on them looking for work.”
From a legal point of view, if residents do enter into a contract with a trader at their home then they should be given a written notice laying down their right to a seven-day cooling-off period. Failure to do this is a criminal offence.
Recent legislation has now made it easier for Trading Standards to deal with unscrupulous doorstep callers who prey on the elderly and vulnerable. Victims of doorstep crime are encouraged to come forward to report incidents in order that assistance can be given.
Anyone who is concerned about a trader that they have contracted with or an elderly neighbour or relative can contact Trading Standards. If a matter is urgent then they should contact the police. Traders requiring advice on their legal requirements when contracting with a customer at their home are encouraged to contact Trading Standards for advice and guidance on 01267 234567.
A list of Registered Traders is available from the Council by contacting 01267 234567 or via www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk.
Anyone requiring general consumer advice should ring Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 (Welsh-speaking line).
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