Residents in Suffolk have been cautioned by the county council’s Trading Standards department following a notable rise in reports involving scams perpetrated by rogue traders. The council, through Suffolk Trading Standards, is urging anyone considering home improvements to exercise caution and ensure they engage with vetted and approved traders to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
According to a spokesperson from Suffolk Trading Standards, incidents of residents being duped by unscrupulous traders have become distressingly frequent, occurring “week after week” across the county. One of the most egregious cases highlighted involved a resident in Brandon village who was misled into believing their roof needed extensive replacement due to the purported damage of just two tiles. Shockingly, the quoted cost for this unnecessary work amounted to £29,900.
The resident, in good faith, paid a deposit of £9,000 via cheque to the trader. Subsequently, two follow-up cheques totaling £13,000 and £8,000 were issued but were fortunately frozen by the resident’s bank before they could be cashed. This incident underscores the substantial financial risk faced by unsuspecting homeowners who fall prey to such fraudulent practices.
In another disheartening case recounted by Suffolk Trading Standards, a resident in Hadleigh suffered a loss of £7,600 after being misled into purchasing unnecessary insulation for their new-build property. Despite the property’s modern construction, the resident was convinced by the rogue trader of the need for additional insulation, highlighting the deceptive tactics employed to exploit homeowners’ trust and lack of expertise in construction matters.
To combat these alarming trends and provide a safeguard for residents, Suffolk Trading Standards initiated the Suffolk Trusted Trader initiative in collaboration with Norfolk Trading Standards. Launched in September, this initiative aims to create a reliable platform where consumers can find accredited traders who have undergone rigorous vetting processes. Community engagement officer Sasha Watson emphasized the importance of both traders joining the platform and residents utilizing it to find trustworthy service providers.
The Suffolk Trusted Trader initiative seeks to mitigate the risks associated with rogue traders by offering consumers peace of mind when hiring for home improvement projects. By promoting transparency and accountability, the initiative aims to reduce incidents of fraud and ensure that residents receive quality services from reputable traders.
As Suffolk Trading Standards continues its efforts to raise awareness and combat fraudulent activities, they urge residents to remain vigilant and discerning when approached by traders offering services. It is essential for residents to verify credentials, obtain multiple quotes, and check references before entering into any agreements for home improvements. This proactive approach is crucial in safeguarding against financial losses and ensuring that homeowners receive legitimate and value-for-money services.
In conclusion, while Suffolk Trading Standards works diligently to address the challenges posed by rogue traders, the council encourages residents to report suspicious activities promptly and utilize trusted platforms like Suffolk Trusted Trader to make informed decisions about home improvements. By fostering a community-wide commitment to consumer protection, Suffolk Trading Standards aims to create a safer and more secure environment for all residents in the county.