CARMARTHENSHIRE Trading Standards Officers are warning residents to be on their guard against distraction burglars and opportunist rogue traders especially in the aftermath of the recent stormy weather.
Residents may have suffered damage to their property during the bad weather.
The Trading Standards Service is now urging residents to be extra vigilant to doorstep callers and sellers who may not be offering bona fide work.
People looking for trades people to carry out repairs are urged to be very careful who they employ and to be extra vigilant to doorstep sellers.
Any bona -fide caller will be willing to call back, giving you the opportunity to check that they come from the relevant business. If you are agreeing to work in your home (over £35), then you should also be given written cancellation rights.
Roger Edmunds, Trading Standards Services Manager said: “Residents of Carmarthenshire may need urgent work carried on their properties and it is very tempting to accept the first offer that comes along. Our advice is to always shop around and get at least 2 or 3 written quotations and never part with any money ‘up front’.
“Alternatively, employ a tradesman that you know or who has been recommended by a friend or neighbour. For minor repair work the Registered Traders scheme (Handyperson & Gardeners) can be accessed via the corporate website or by contacting Viv Jones on 01554 742306”.
www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/registeredtradersscheme.
Trading Standards would encourage any Carmarthenshire residents that may have concerns regarding a trader to contact them on 01267 234567.
Please be aware!
A job carried out by a trader on a consumers’ property will be covered by the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 which requires that any work done is carried out with reasonable care and skill.
The Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008 came into force in October 2008. They require a 7 day ‘cooling off’ period to be given to the customer if an agreement is made in the customer’s home (or anywhere that is not on trade premises).
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