Top Tips To Avoid Builder Scams And Tradesmen Cons.
See our seven key pieces advice if you are thinking of having building work or renovations carried out:
- Do your research: Google a builder or tradesman’s name. Look them up on Companies House and see their trading history. If they have had a series of directorships then this is a red flag.
- Get references: If you are having work carried out ask for references. When you get them, call the person that has given a reference to make sure that they are legitimate.
- Insist on a contract: The contract should outline exactly what work is being carried out and how much it will cost. There can still be felxbility in a contract on price but have a maximum amount.
- Don’t be pressured: A common trick by a fraudster is to try and insist people agree to a deal there and then. If you need more time to think, do not be afraid to walk away.
- NEVER pay cash: Paying for work, and particularly a deposit, with cash is very dangerous. It gives no paper trail and litte protection. Use a credit card, if possible, or at least a bank transfer.
- Keep deposits to a minimum: A common con by rogue builders and tradesmen is to take a deposit and disappear. Pay as little deposit as possible and make sure that you get a receipt.
- Trust Your Instinct: If you feel uncomfortable or the deal seems too good to be true don’t feel afraid to say no. It is the job of the builder or trademan to make you comfortable. If they can’t do that then it is their fault, not yours.
If you have fallen victim to builder scam or tradesmen con contact us to see if we can help. Call us on 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.
Who We Can Help In Builder Scams And Tradesman Cons
When it comes to builder scams and fraudulent tradesmen there are certain victims that we can help and, unfortunately, those that we cannot help.
Our main route of redress is to claim the money back for you through the banks and other payment service providers by proving that a fraud has been committed.
We primarily rely on rules set down by the Payment Systems Regulator who says that banks have a duty of care to protect their customers from fraud.
If we can demonstrate that the bank has failed to stop a fraud then we can reclaim the money on your behalf.
Who We Can Help:
- A person who has employed a builder or tradesmen who did not carry out any work and never intended to do so.
- A person who has employed a builder or tradesmen who did carry out some work but only with the intention or tricking someone to pay money over to carry out a larger fraud.
Who We Cannot Help:
- A person who received bad service or poor workmanship from a builder or tradesmen.
- A person who has paid the builder or tradesmen in cash or with a cheque.
We must be able to show that money was transferred to the rogue builder or tradesman and that they never had any intention of carrying out the work.
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