Roof and gutter cleaning warning

The warning follows an incident in recent weeks where a resident lost £13,000 in a scam involving gutter cleaning services. Originally, the cleaning and some minor wall filler work was a modest £70, but the rogue trader claimed that additional roofing work was needed and demanded £26,000; half of which was reluctantly paid by the resident.

Residents are reminded not to deal with doorstep callers where they risk being substantially overcharged. Sometimes, a doorstep trader will only do a fraction of what was quoted, leaving residents with an incomplete job. 

Trading Standards Advice

DON’T:

• Don’t contact traders via leaflets that are delivered through the door – without making thorough checks beforehand
• Don’t pay large sums of money in advance – schedule payment as work progress
• Don’t be rushed into deciding – seek advice first from someone you trust

DO:

• Do get a minimum of 3 written quotes – prepare a clear detailed brief beforehand
• Do seek references, read reliable reviews, ask to visit previous jobs
• Do check directly with any reputable organisation named or whose logo is shown on a leaflet/website to make sure the trader is affiliated – if not, report to Bromley Trading Standards
• Do get a contract in writing before works commence. Check the T&C’s. You should be entitled to a 14-day cooling off period – with full written cancellation information and not just a mention on a leaflet or a tick box to say you agree
• Do check and verify a trader’s insurance

If you, a neighbour, or someone you know is being affected by rogue traders, please contact our Rapid Response line on 07903 852090.

Find a reputable roofer on Trading Standards Checked.

Report

Protect yourself and others by reporting incidents

Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website

For advice and information on scams, visit Rogue Traders and Scams on the Bromley Council website.

Bromley Trading Standards

To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/ScamAlertSignUpForm.

Bromley Trading Standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust. Visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.

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