Warning over hiring travelling workmen 2/6/14
Western Isles Trading Standards has issued a warning to home owners in the Western Isles to be on their guard if they receive a visit from mainland based companies offering to carry out repairs to their property or driveways.
A spokesperson said “this is the time of year when we see a rise in the number of complaints about itinerant traders who turn up on householders’ doorsteps. Consumers should be aware that such businesses in the past have caused considerable problems with shoddy workmanship and excessive prices.
“Once these problems come to light the traders have left the islands and consumers effectively have no way of contacting them again or getting the problems resolved, leaving them considerably out of pocket. They often target the elderly and vulnerable consumers so we are asking people to look out for their neighbours if they are aware that these traders are in their area.”
The spokesperson continued, “if consumers agree to have work done in these circumstances
they are entitled to a seven-
“However, our best advice is not to agree to anything in the first place. The best way for consumers to stay safe from rogue traders in their own homes is to say “no” to cold calling doorstep traders. To help with this we can provide householders with a sign for their doors that says that cold callers are not welcome.”