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21/07/2011
Beware Rogue Doorstep Traders, Says OFT
Householders are being warned to beware of rogue traders knocking their doors with the offer of cheap building and maintenance services.
Figures released on Wednesday by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) show that home improvements continue to top the list of complaints about doorstep rogue traders.
The OFT is therefore urging consumers, especially the elderly and vulnerable, to be on their guard against rogue traders knocking at their door.
Last year, Consumerline, Northern Ireland's consumer advice service, received almost 600 complaints from Northern Ireland consumers related to home maintenance work.
The top five complaints were general building work, plumbing tarmacing and paving, central heating work and roofing.
With complaints about home maintenance peaking in the summer months from July through to the autumn, Consumerline is urging householders to be cautious and take time to think about people who call at the door.
Rogue doorstep traders will often offer services at attractive rates and use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions.
Stephen Thompson, Consumerline manager said: "It is not illegal for handymen to canvas for work, but it is important that people are cautious and do not make hasty decisions.
"Rogue doorstep trading is an ongoing problem in Northern Ireland and work or service carried out can sometimes be unnecessary, of a poor standard, much more expensive than originally quoted or not done at all.
"This campaign is helping people to recognise the warning signs, so that they have the confidence to say no if they're unsure about what is being offered."
Consumerline offers sound advice on how people can avoid being scammed by rogue doorstep traders.
A statement said: "If a trader knocks at your door, do not agree to on the spot house repairs, or sign anything on the spot.
"Be wary of special offers or warnings that your house is unsafe and do not make snap decisions.
"Take time to talk to someone you trust before you make a decision and if in doubt, call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.
(BMcC/GK)
Figures released on Wednesday by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) show that home improvements continue to top the list of complaints about doorstep rogue traders.
The OFT is therefore urging consumers, especially the elderly and vulnerable, to be on their guard against rogue traders knocking at their door.
Last year, Consumerline, Northern Ireland's consumer advice service, received almost 600 complaints from Northern Ireland consumers related to home maintenance work.
The top five complaints were general building work, plumbing tarmacing and paving, central heating work and roofing.
With complaints about home maintenance peaking in the summer months from July through to the autumn, Consumerline is urging householders to be cautious and take time to think about people who call at the door.
Rogue doorstep traders will often offer services at attractive rates and use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions.
Stephen Thompson, Consumerline manager said: "It is not illegal for handymen to canvas for work, but it is important that people are cautious and do not make hasty decisions.
"Rogue doorstep trading is an ongoing problem in Northern Ireland and work or service carried out can sometimes be unnecessary, of a poor standard, much more expensive than originally quoted or not done at all.
"This campaign is helping people to recognise the warning signs, so that they have the confidence to say no if they're unsure about what is being offered."
Consumerline offers sound advice on how people can avoid being scammed by rogue doorstep traders.
A statement said: "If a trader knocks at your door, do not agree to on the spot house repairs, or sign anything on the spot.
"Be wary of special offers or warnings that your house is unsafe and do not make snap decisions.
"Take time to talk to someone you trust before you make a decision and if in doubt, call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.
(BMcC/GK)
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14 April 2022
TSS Launches 'Say No To Doorstep Crime' Campaign
A new 'Say No to Doorstep Crime' campaign has been launched by the Department for the Economy's Trading Standards Service (TSS) to warn consumers of the dangers of employing doorstep callers. Over the past year TSS has received over 200 complaints from consumers who have fallen victim to doorstep criminals.
TSS Launches 'Say No To Doorstep Crime' Campaign
A new 'Say No to Doorstep Crime' campaign has been launched by the Department for the Economy's Trading Standards Service (TSS) to warn consumers of the dangers of employing doorstep callers. Over the past year TSS has received over 200 complaints from consumers who have fallen victim to doorstep criminals.
25 July 2011
Beware Rogue Doorstep Traders, Says OFT
Householders are being warned to beware of rogue traders knocking their doors with the offer of cheap building and maintenance services. Figures released by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) show that home improvements continue to top the list of complaints about doorstep rogue traders.
Beware Rogue Doorstep Traders, Says OFT
Householders are being warned to beware of rogue traders knocking their doors with the offer of cheap building and maintenance services. Figures released by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) show that home improvements continue to top the list of complaints about doorstep rogue traders.
21 November 2006
Doorstep crime and rogue traders to be tackled
Northern Ireland consumers are being warned to be vigilant against bogus doorstep callers who prey on the elderly and vulnerable. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service, (TSS) is highlighting the problem during National Consumer Week, which started yesterday and will last until November 24.
Doorstep crime and rogue traders to be tackled
Northern Ireland consumers are being warned to be vigilant against bogus doorstep callers who prey on the elderly and vulnerable. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service, (TSS) is highlighting the problem during National Consumer Week, which started yesterday and will last until November 24.
18 May 2006
Warning of rogue traders in Belfast area
The elderly and vulnerable people within the community have been urged to be wary of rogue traders and bogus callers that may be operating, particularly in the north Belfast area. Police are concerned that some older and more vulnerable people are still falling victim to rogue workmen and plausible sales people who then demand large sums of money.
Warning of rogue traders in Belfast area
The elderly and vulnerable people within the community have been urged to be wary of rogue traders and bogus callers that may be operating, particularly in the north Belfast area. Police are concerned that some older and more vulnerable people are still falling victim to rogue workmen and plausible sales people who then demand large sums of money.
24 November 2017
Warning Issued After Rogue Traders Offer Power Washing In Belfast
The PSNI have issued a warning for the public to be vigilant after two 'rogue' traders were offering power washing services in Belfast. The men, who are travelling in a small white van with a Dublin registration plate, were operating in the Malone Road and Balmoral road area of the city at around 9am on Thursday, 23 November.
Warning Issued After Rogue Traders Offer Power Washing In Belfast
The PSNI have issued a warning for the public to be vigilant after two 'rogue' traders were offering power washing services in Belfast. The men, who are travelling in a small white van with a Dublin registration plate, were operating in the Malone Road and Balmoral road area of the city at around 9am on Thursday, 23 November.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
