Recently we have received several reports of rogue traders operating in the Whittington area of Oswestry, these are currently under investigation. Please do not allow unsolicited callers to do work on your property before reading the below advice.  If in doubt, do not answer the door and if they persist and will not leave, please contact the police.

What is a rogue trader?

Typically a trader will call at the door uninvited offering to carry out work on the house, such as repairs to driveways, guttering or fascia boarding.

Do not agree to have any work done until:

- You have checked the trader's name and address.
- You have been given written notice of a right to cancel.
- You have checked the price by getting other quotes.
- You have a clear agreement on the work to be done and how much it will cost.

Cold callers may also try and sell items door to door.  We often find that these are vastly overpriced and can be of extremely poor quality.  Often stories of being "just released from prison" or working as part of a Government initiative are told.  These, in our experience, are all lies.  Please do not buy from the door unless you are absolutely sure.  remember it's your door and you don't have to open the door.

If you are unsure how to deal with a trader cold calling at your door, contact the Citizens' Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Examples of the type of services rogue traders may offer

- Driveways and paving
- Garden Maintenance
- Home or roofing and gutter repairs including cleaning tiles
- Disability equipment and aids
- Security alarms and products
- Pension and investments

Your right to cancel contracts

If a trader calls at your house and you agree to buy goods worth more than £42 or have a service carried out, they have to:

- Give you 14 days to cancel for any reason
- Services should not be started within the 14 day period without your Explicit permission
- Services may still be cancelled during the 14 days but you may have to pay for work done and materials supplied
- Information about cancellation MUST be given in writing
- This does not apply to bespoke items, perishable items and newspapers

If you are not given this in writing the contract cannot be enforced.

Your other consumer rights

- Goods must be of satisfactory quality and as described
- Services must be carried out with reasonable skill and care and within a reasonable time
- If not agreed in advance charges must be reasonable

Do not agree to have any work done until

- You have checked the trader’s name and address
- You have been given written notice of your right to cancel
- You have checked the price by getting other quotes
- You have a clear agreement on the work to be done and how much it will cost

If you are unsure how to handle a trader cold calling at your door, then contact Trading Standards via the Citizens' Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or if you feel threatened or intimidated then phone the Police on 999.

Report a rogue

If you or another person are in immediate danger or a crime is in progress you should call 999 and report this to the Police who will liaise with Trading Standards where appropriate.

If you are having problems with a trader and require advice or wish to report a suspicious trader or trading practice please call 0808 223 1133.  The number for Welsh speakers is 0808 223 1144. The number for the Scams Action line is 0808 250 5050.  You will receive advice and the report will be sent to us.  In the event that your complaint is considered urgent, an immediate referral is made to your local Trading Standards Service.

Consumer advice and information in Shropshire is provided by the Citizens Advice consumer service - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue/