Caerphilly’s Trading Standards team is encouraging residents to be extra vigilant, after receiving reports of rogue traders in the area. These criminals will offer a low a price for work, then vastly increase this, once the job begins. They have been operating specifically in the Caerphilly and Aber Valley areas.

Remember, when entering into a contract at your home for any type of building work, you are entitled to receive proper paperwork. This will include the full details of the trader you are contracting with, a comprehensive list of the work that is to be done and the estimated time for the work to be completed and, importantly, a cancellation notice that allows you to stop the contract. These are your statutory rights.

Trading Standards are advising residents not to agree to work starting straight away, always take time to get other quotations, know what you want to be done and don’t be forced into making a quick uninformed decision. Under no circumstances hand over any payments up front.

Cllr Sean Morgan, Depity Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “Reports of people being duped on their doorstep are very worrying, especially for our more vulnerable residents. I would encourage people to take heed of our team’s advice and to be vigilant.”

Trading Standards offer the following advice to residents:

· Never invite tradespeople/salespeople into your home

· If they claim to be representing an organisation, ask for their identification and close the door. Check it online or in the telephone directory

· Never purchase goods or services on the doorstep without consulting a friend or relative

· Don’t keep large sums of cash at home or let anyone know there is cash on the premises

· If you are not interested, tell them so firmly and close the door.

To report an issue to Caerphilly’s Trading Standards team, please call 01443 811300 or visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk/tradingstandards. Gwent Police can also be contacted on 101.