Trading Standards warning issued over driveway firms

Perth & Kinross Council’s Trading Standards Team are warning local residents about a company known to be operating in the area recently offering services which includes laying driveways and patios.

The firm canvasses door-to-door to promote its business. Previous intelligence indicates that the same trader is known to have used various business names and telephone numbers which suggest that they are local to the area in which they are currently operating. They change their name frequently, probably to distance themselves from complaints about previous or unfinished work.

Trading Standards are advising people to be very wary about contracting with anyone who cold calls.

Rogue traders can quite easily make themselves look legitimate by creating a website with what may appear to be genuine addresses, phone numbers and email addresses; almost invariably these turn out to be false or untraceable.

They are also known to ask for payments up front and then not to complete the work.

Councillor Douglas Pover, Community Safety convener commented: “If you need work done on your house ask your friends, relatives or neighbours for personal recommendations rather than employing a cold caller.

“Perth & Kinross Council also operates the Better Business Partnership scheme where you can find a list of legitimate local businesses. A list of members can be found on the Council website or by phoning the call centre on 01738 476476.”

General Consumer Advice and information can be found on the Citizens Advice - Adviceguide - Scotland website or by calling 08454 04 05 06.

Trading Standards recommends householders to get at least two quotes for the job in writing to compare what work is to be done and how much it will cost.

If you have any concerns about doorstep traders or any other consumer issue Trading Standards can contacted via the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.