Warning to businesses and residents to be on guard for cold-calling rogues

Shropshire Council’s public protection officers are warning Shropshire businesses and consumers to be on their guard, following reports of individuals cold calling residents offering to repair farm tracks, driveways and other surfacing work.  

These individuals often claim they are contractors working for ‘the council’ or ‘the highways agency’ and have materials left over from a nearby job.  They will offer to undertake repair work at a seemingly cheap price, often providing only a verbal quote.  However, once the work is completed the actual price demanded is often considerably more, and can be accompanied by aggressive demands for payment. 

Consumers are reminded that work of this nature, over £35 and agreed at their home, does allow them a seven day cooling off period, and the trader is required to give a notice explaining this and how they may cancel the contract.  Further, consumers should not be pushed into having the work undertaken before the expiry of this seven day period, unless it is their express wish and they provide written authorisation to the trader. 

Consumers should be wary of anyone who fails to provide the correct paperwork and pushes to do the work immediately. 

Businesses need to be aware that the statutory seven day cancellation period for consumer contracts formed in the home does not apply in the case of business to business contracts, such as work to a farm drive or other commercial premises.  Businesses need to consider carefully whether they wish to contract with these individuals, and think what they will do if things don’t go as expected. 

Frances Darling, Shropshire Council’s service manager for safer and stronger communities within public protection, said:

“As ever, our advice to residents and businesses is to be careful when dealing with traders who cold call at their home or place of work.  If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.  Anyone who requires remedial work at their property, irrespective of how small it may seem, should carry out research into who they allow to do this work for them.  In carrying out this research, we would always advise consumers to consider traders who belong to The Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Trader Register – https://www.traderregister.org.uk/shropshire/index.php.” 

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, added:

“It is important to stress to residents and local businesses to be on their guard against these traders.  The council never disposes of spare tarmac or road surfacing materials in this way, and it certainly will not be resold by cold call door-knocking.  These individuals are not connected in any way with Shropshire Council or to any of our approved contractors.  Whilst they may appear to offer a bargain, the work will usually be carried out to a very poor standard, with little or no surface preparation, and will usually deteriorate quickly.” 

Shropshire Council encourages individuals and businesses to contact its public protection service on 0345 678 9000 if they wish to report any such incidents.  Information can be given anonymously, and will always be treated in line with the council’s information governance policies.  Consumers requiring advice on any consumer-related matters may contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service by contacting 08454 040506.