Nottinghamshire rogue doorstep trader scam warning

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team has received 66 doorstep crime complaints from Nottinghamshire residents since April, which includes complaints about poor quality driveway improvements and roofing repairs.

Rogue traders doorstep call householders over the summer months when people are more likely to consider improvements to their home in preparation for the winter.

Common scams include carrying out minor roof repairs and then claiming more extensive work to the roof is required, which is often unnecessary and carried out at an inflated price.

Another is residents not getting written quotes before the work is carried out and the trader inflates the original quoted price at the end of the project.

Coun Glynn Gilfoyle, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Community Safety Committee, said: “Doorstep criminals are more likely to target vulnerable people such as the elderly to persuade them to use their services, which are usually not needed or carried out to a shoddy standard.

“We encourage residents not to use their services and don’t be afraid to say no. It is also crucial to get a full quote in writing before you have any work carried out to your home.

“Residents considering home improvements are far better to get a recommendation of a reputable trader from a friend or a relative or use our Buy with Confidence list of approved traders.”

For more information on the Council’s Buy with Confidence scheme visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

To report a doorstep crime incident contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.