Cold weather creates new con for rogue traders 20/01/10

OXFORDSHIRE County Council Trading Standards is warning home owners to be on the look out for rogue traders following the recent extreme weather.

Reports have already come in from elsewhere in the country of consumers being visited by criminals claiming to be from a water company checking for frozen pipes.

These rogue traders then try to persuade unsuspecting home owners to have unnecessary repair work done.

Sub zero scams

Nigel Strick, Head of Oxfordshire Trading Standards, said: ?These crooks will use the recent extreme weather as the latest trick to persuade home owners to part with their money. They will claim work is needed urgently because of damage caused by the recent sub zero temperatures.

?We are urging people to be wary of any trader turning up on their doorstep uninvited ? just say ?no thanks? and if you think there is a problem with your pipes contact a reputable tradesperson.?

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities said: ?If consumers need to find a reputable trader they should check the county council?s Buy with Confidence scheme or use a trader recommended by friends or family. Get three quotes and never use a trader who just turns up on your doorstep.?

Buy with Confidence is a county scheme which provides an online directory of traders that have been checked and approved by Trading Standards. To find out more, visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.

Call to report suspicious activity
Should anyone have doubts about the credentials of a trader knocking on their door, they should take as many details as they can, including vehicle registration numbers, and report them to Trading Standards on 0845 051 0845 or to the police. We are also urging people to look out for vulnerable neighbours and help them report any suspicious activity.