By Lois Avery
Rogue traders offering winter home improvements are targeting the elderly - that’s the warning from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
Last year, advice service Consumer Direct received more than 5,300 complaints about traders offering home maintenance work on the doorstep, a 16 per cent rise from the previous year.
And following last year’s freezing temperatures there are fears that rogue traders will try to cash in by offering expensive and unnecessary winter home improvements to older people.
Helena Herklots, services director at Age UK, says the charity is aiming to raise awareness of rogue doorstep traders before the cold weather sets in.
“Although crime against older people is less likely than other age groups, rogue doorstep traders often target those who are older or more vulnerable, so it's important to be aware of the risks,” she said.
Canvassing on the doorstep is not illegal, however rogue doorstep trading is an ongoing problem in the UK.
Michele Shambrook from the OFT says homeowners must use common sense to sniff out dodgy dealers, adding that, “if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”
“Work or service carried out by these traders is sometimes unnecessary, of a poor standard, much more expensive than originally quoted or not done at all,” she added.
The OFT offers the following advice for older people who may be concerned about doorstep sellers this winter:
If a trader knocks at your door, do not agree to on-the-spot house repairs or sign anything on the spot.
- Be wary of special offers or warnings that your house is unsafe.
- Do not make snap decisions. Take time to talk to someone you trust before you make a decision.
- If in doubt, call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/doorstepselling.
