Newport City Council’s trading standards officers have helped residents recover thousands of pounds lost to rogue traders, while continuing efforts to protect vulnerable people from doorstep scams.
Working alongside Gwent Police, the council’s trading standards team plays a key role in preventing residents from falling victim to fraudsters and supporting those affected by financial crime.
One of the measures included in the council’s anti poverty strategy action plan is to help prevent vulnerable consumers from becoming victims of financial crime.
During 2025/26, the team responded directly to seven incidents of doorstep crime, where a total of £10,500 had been handed over to rogue traders.
Thanks to timely intervention by trading standards officers and banks, residents were able to recover £8,500 of the money lost.
Several other cases were referred to the Wales Regional Intelligence Team after it was found the offenders were operating across multiple areas.
Alongside enforcement work, officers also attended community events and advice sessions, offering guidance to more than 200 residents on how to spot the warning signs of scams and avoid becoming victims of financial harm.
Councillor Jason Hughes, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “Sadly, we know that rogue traders and scammers are more likely to focus on those who are seen as more defenceless including older people and these are often those in our communities living on more limited incomes.
“The results from last year show that our trading standards officers not only helped victims retrieve money they had lost but also potentially helped prevent even more being taken in by such despicable criminals. And that excellent work has continued this year.
“We would also ask family members and friends to make vulnerable people aware as they are often targeted by unscrupulous rogue traders.”
The council is also urging residents to remain vigilant if they receive cold callers or unsolicited emails.
Trading standards advises people to ask themselves whether they would have considered the work if the trader had not called in the first place, avoid agreeing to work or signing contracts on the spot, and never hand over money upfront.
Residents are also encouraged to obtain at least three quotes before agreeing to any work, discuss proposed work with family or friends, avoid being pressured into making decisions, and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Anyone who believes a rogue trader is operating in their community, or knows someone who has become a victim of doorstep crime, is encouraged to report it to trading standards through Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or to Gwent Police by calling 101.
