Date: 23 May 2023
Rogue traders are individuals or companies who convince people to have unnecessary, unfinished, or overpriced work carried out on their property. They often target the more vulnerable members of our communities, such as elderly neighbours and those on low income.
Rogue traders most commonly operate from the doorstep, offering building or maintenance work with no intention of completion. In some cases, they may use malicious or aggressive behaviour to get work contracts signed.
How to spot a rogue trader
Here are some common red flags you can look out for:
Know your rights
If you agree to purchase a product or service over £42, traders must:
How to make sure a trader is who they say they are
Trading Standards Officers recommend that you:
If you think that you or a loved one has been the victim of a rogue trader, contact Trading Standards online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport or call the Citizens' Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. Alternatively, you can report a rogue trader by calling 101.