Article: published on 24 August 2026
Consumer champ Matt Allwright
How to protect yourself from rogue traders
- Published
Rogue traders can target people at home, offering urgent repairs or building work which then turns into a much bigger bill.
Consumer champ Matt Allwright joined BBC Morning Live to explain how rogue traders operate, what warning signs to look out for, and what to do if you think you have been ripped off.
What are rogue traders?
Rogue traders often offer to fix what seems like a small problem, before pressuring people into paying for much larger jobs.
They can target people through doorstep cold calls, leaflets, phone calls, websites or social media.
The work can involve roofing, plumbing, gardening, paving, home extensions or general building.
The impact is not always financial. Being targeted at home can leave people feeling embarrassed, frightened or unsure who to trust.
How rogue traders trick people
Rogue traders can use different tactics to make people feel under pressure.
Cold calling is one of the most common. This can mean knocking on the door or putting a leaflet through the letterbox.
Some traders may pretend to be legitimate by wearing uniforms, showing fake ID, or claiming to be from the council, a utility company or another official-sounding organisation.
They may also say the work is urgent, dangerous, or only available at a special price for a short time.
Some start with a low quote, then claim there are extra problems which increase the final bill.
Others make up repairs which are not needed, exaggerate the problem, use unfair contracts, or become aggressive if challenged.
What to do if a trader is already in your home
The first thing is to trust your instinct.
If something feels wrong, do not ignore it.
Do not confront the trader directly if you feel unsafe.
If you are in immediate danger or feel threatened, call 999.
If it is not an emergency, stay calm and gather evidence quietly.
Take photos of their van, number plate, tools, logos, ID badges and any work already done if it is safe to do so.
If you can, ask a friend or neighbour to come over.
You can also keep a time-stamped record of what is happening. Write notes on your phone, or send yourself a text, WhatsApp or email describing what has happened.
Once the trader has left, contact Citizens Advice or your local Trading Standards team.
How to avoid being ripped off
Ask to see examples of previous work before agreeing to a job.
A genuine trader should be able to show photos, videos, or put you in touch with past customers.
Do not rely only on online reviews, especially in social media groups, because fake profiles can be used to make a trader look trustworthy.
You can also carry out a basic background check using Companies House on GOV.UK.
This can show free company information, including how long a company has been registered, its registered address, filing history and accounts.
Try to get at least three quotes before choosing someone.
This helps you compare prices and spot anyone charging far too much, or offering a price which seems too low.
Be cautious if someone asks for a large upfront payment, especially in cash.
A small deposit can be reasonable, but full payment before work has been done should set alarm bells ringing.
Most importantly, take your time. Do not be rushed into agreeing to work.
What are your rights if the work is poor?
Some behaviour is illegal.
A trader cannot harass or threaten you, take money without doing the work, lie about their qualifications, or fake documents such as planning permission, electrical safety certificates or building regulations paperwork.
There are also cases where the work has been done, but it is poor quality, overpriced, or not what was agreed.
If you have paid for goods or services, you have rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
That includes jobs agreed verbally, as well as those agreed in writing.
Work must be carried out with reasonable care and skill.
Materials must be fit for purpose and match what was agreed.
If no price or deadline was agreed beforehand, the work should still be done in a reasonable time and for a reasonable cost.
It is always best to get a written quote before work begins.
If you do pay upfront, try to make sure it is only for materials which will actually be used in your home.
If you believe you have been scammed or ripped off by a rogue trader, report it.
