⚠️ Rogue Traders Active

⚠️ Rogue Traders Active

⚠️ Rogue Traders Active – Stay Alert This Spring!

As the weather improves, many households start planning home repairs and garden projects. Unfortunately, this is also when rogue traders become more active 🚫👷‍♂️. These individuals often cold‑call at homes, claiming urgent repairs are needed and pressuring residents into quick decisions, poor‑quality work, or large cash payments 💸.

🚨 Spot the Warning Signs

❗ “Urgent repairs needed”

They may claim your roof, gutters, chimney or driveway is unsafe and demand immediate, expensive work.

🚚 “We’re working in the area”

They offer a “cheap deal” using leftover materials — a common scam tactic.

💵 Cash‑only payments

They avoid card payments or bank transfers, and refuse to give written quotes, invoices, or receipts.

⏳ High‑pressure tactics

They create panic to stop you getting a second opinion or checking reviews.

📱 No professional details

No business address, no signage, and only a mobile number that later gets switched off.

💡 How to Protect Yourself

🚪 Never agree to work from unexpected doorstep callers

💳 Avoid paying large amounts upfront — especially in cash

📑 Get at least three written quotes from reputable traders

🔍 Check reviews on trusted sites like Checkatrade, TrustMark, or Buy With Confidence

🚫 Use a “No Cold Calling” sticker to deter doorstep scammers

🪪 Ask for ID and verify credentials (Gas Safe, NICEIC) where relevant

🛡️ If You’ve Been Targeted

✋ Stop all contact immediately

💰 Don’t hand over more money

🔒 Don’t share personal details

📞 Report it:

Police: Call 101

If someone becomes aggressive or refuses to leave — call 999 immediately 🚓

Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040

Citizens Advice: 0808 223 1133

Your Bank: If you’ve made a payment or think your details are at risk

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Message Sent By
Tom Stewart
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, Stafford)