Neath Port Talbot Council is warning residents to beware of traders “cold calling” at their homes.
The warning comes after the Council’s Trading Standards team received reports of cold callers operating across the county, approaching residents to carry out work on their property.
Consumers have more rights when purchasing over the doorstep.
For work carried out at a resident’s home that is more than £42 in value, traders are required by law to provide cancellation rights. This gives 14 days for contracts to be cancelled.
Trading Standards are also urging family and neighbours to look out for the more vulnerable members of their community who may be pressurised into agreeing to unnecessary work on their properties by cold callers.
It is always important to be vigilant, but particularly following the recent bad weather. Rogue traders will take the opportunity to prey on victims of the storms, engage in unnecessary work and charge exorbitant fees.
Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards and Public Protection said: “I want to remind residents to be vigilant of these businesses and avoid becoming a victim of a rogue trader. Don’t be pressurised into paying for work in your own home.
“Take time to consider what is being proposed, get other quotes and do your research on a business before entering into an agreement. Do not pay the full amount prior to any work being carried out and arrange to make staged payments on large jobs”
“Check claims of membership of trade organisations or approval schemes, or go through a trader approval scheme such as ‘Buy With Confidence’ to engage a vetted trader.
“We would also ask that if you are approached in this way or receive any flyers through your door, you contact us as it may help us prevent somebody else falling victim to these rogue traders.”
Homeowners and businesses who believe they have been a victim of this type of scam can call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1144 (welsh language) 0808 223 1133 (english language).
