Rogue Traders

 Residents are being reminded to remain vigilant following reports of rogue traders operating across Staffordshire.

Rogue traders often target elderly and vulnerable residents, offering to carry out work on homes or gardens. They may claim that urgent repairs are needed and demand large sums of money for poor-quality, unnecessary, or incomplete work.

Common Rogue Trader Tactics

⚠️ Cold calling at your door without invitation.
⚠️ Claiming your roof, driveway, guttering, or trees need urgent attention.
⚠️ Offering discounted prices "for today only".
⚠️ Demanding cash payments upfront.
⚠️ Using high-pressure sales tactics.
⚠️ Refusing to provide written quotes or paperwork.
⚠️ Arriving in unmarked vehicles or without identification.

How to Protect Yourself

✅ Do not agree to work from doorstep callers.
✅ Always obtain at least three written quotes from reputable traders.
✅ Check reviews, references, and business credentials.
✅ Never feel pressured into making immediate decisions.
✅ Avoid paying cash or paying in full before work is completed.
✅ Ask for identification and verify who they are.
✅ Speak to family, friends, or neighbours before agreeing to any work.

Remember: STOP – CHAIN – CHECK

STOP before opening the door.
CHAIN the door if you have a door chain fitted.
CHECK the identity of unexpected callers.

Report Concerns

📞 If you believe a rogue trader is operating in your area, report it to Staffordshire Police via 101.

🚔 If you feel threatened or a crime is in progress, always dial 999.

📞 Report suspicious trading activity to Staffordshire Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

Please Share

If you have elderly relatives, vulnerable neighbours, or friends who may be at risk, please make them aware of this advice.

Together we can help protect our communities from doorstep crime.