NEATH Port Talbot Council is warning residents to beware of rogue traders offering building, home improvement and garden maintenance services.
The warning comes after the Council’s Trading Standards team received a spate of calls from homeowners who have fallen victim to their scams. After calling at residents homes, the rogue traders have been inflating the agreed price and adding hidden costs before completing the job. The rogue traders also ask for money upfront making it more difficult for customers to recover any money lost.
For work carried out at a resident’s home that is more than £42 in value, traders are required by law to provide cancellation rights. This gives 14 days for contracts to be cancelled.
Councillor Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said: “I want to remind residents to be vigilant of these crimes and scams to avoid becoming a victim of a rogue trader. I would urge residents to do their research on a business before entering into an agreement and to be cautious when paying money upfront.”
Homeowners and businesses who believe they have been a victim of this type of scam can call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040 506.
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