2007
Trading Standards Teams across the region are working in partnership with Consumer Direct to warn residents affected by the recent flooding about opportunist rogue traders that may be operating in their areas as the clean up operations in some areas begin.
27 July 2007
David Hurst – spokesperson for Consumer Direct West Midlands commented:
'There are numerous areas within the West Midlands region that have recently been affected by the flooding. It is a difficult time for many people who have had their homes and belongings damaged by the waters. As the clean up operations in some areas are underway, we are advising people that there may be a number of bogus callers and rogue traders seeking to take advantage. We are working with Trading Standards teams to warn residents about cold callers as many of those offering to do the work may be offering a sub standard service at grossly inflated costs'.
Consumer Direct is able to offer people first line information and advice on what to look out for or if you are concerned about rogue traders or bogus callers in your area.
Our initial advice to residents would be:
- If you are insured, seek advice from your insurance company first. They may advise you to take photos as evidence of the damage caused.
- If you are not insured, there may be a recognised Trader Register Scheme operating in your area which we can advise on, plus a range of other schemes that may be applicable.
- Be aware of bogus callers and rogue traders in the area – make sure you ask for ID and you can also double check by calling the authority that persons may be claiming to be working for by calling the appropriate number from the phonebook.
You can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06
-ends-
Consumer Direct West Midlands represents the first line enquiry helpline for 14 Local Authorities Trading Standards teams across the West Midlands covering:
- Birmingham • Staffordshire
- Coventry • Stoke -on -Trent
- Dudley • Telford and Wrekin
- Herefordshire • Walsall
- Sandwell • Warwickshire
- Shropshire • Wolverhampton
- Solihull • Worcestershire
Notes:
1. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service managed by the Office of Fair Trading and delivered in partnership with local authority Trading Standards Services. It offers consumers clear, practical and impartial advice and information.
2. Consumer Direct has around 350 highly trained advisors in 11 centres based in London, the South East, the South West, the East of England, the West Midlands, the East Midlands, Wales, Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, the North East and Scotland.
3. The information and advice helpline is available on a single low-cost national telephone number - 08454 04 05 06 from 0800 – 1830 Monday to Friday, and 0900 – 1300 Saturday, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.
4. Calls cost a maximum of four pence per minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles or other networks may vary. Your service provider may charge a minimum cost per call.
5. A Welsh-speaking Consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
MEDIA enquiries:
T: 024 7683 2167
M: 07903 206637
Media enquiries: Samantha Scott
samantha.scott@consumerdirect-westmidlands.gov.uk
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
