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Good morning, Medway. I want to discuss an important topic that comes more frequently with the warmer weather, rouge traders! I have noticed an increase of rouge trader calls in the Medway area over late march and April and wanted to give you some practical advice about how to protect yourself! Never agree to on the spot, cleaning, property maintenance or repairs! If you want a job done, then conduct your own research and use approved traders. Don’t be tempted by “Special offers” a lot of rouge traders will make “Special offers” that might tempt you to agree to work being done. Get at least three quotes for any work that you need to be completed. If traders are completing work on your property without agreement from you then you are under no obligation to pay them for the work. If you find traders conducting work on your property, tell them to stop as soon as you are aware. If they demand payment, then suggest that they go through court. if things escalate and you are in fear then call 999. If traders tell you something is broken, then get it checked for yourself by someone independent. Rouge traders will often try to panic you and claim to have conducted repairs on things that were never broken. Don’t keep large quantities of cash at your home. Rouge traders always prefer cash and if they find out that you keep a lot of it at home, they are more likely to return or escalate the price whilst there. Sometimes brazen Rouge traders will offer to offer to take vulnerable people to a cash point or bank to withdraw funds. This is not normal or acceptable for any trader If you have been scammed by a Rouge trader and you have some of their details, then report it to Police and Trading standards.Reporting to Trading Standards - Citizens Advice If you have an elderly neighbour or relative, then please pass this advice on to them. Perhaps suggest printing this advice and putting it near the front door in case a rogue trader visits, and they get flustered and intervene if you notice a trader at the doorstep. Normal tradesmen will not be activated if challenged! If you get a visit from a rogue trader, then please contact police via 101 or live chat with the registration of their vehicle. By informing us you may be able to protect a vulnerable person from getting ripped off. Finally – and this is so important to remember – if you’re threatened with violence, don’t risk your personal safety go back into your house lock the door and call 999. If you have found this helpful, please use the buttons below to share on social media. If you have any further questions, please feel free to respond via the buttons below. |
