Trading Standards issues urgent advice after rogue builder from Cornwall jailed
An investigation found James Lee Knight persuaded homeowners to have repairs or extensions he failed to finish
Last updated 25th Mar 2021
The sentencing of a rogue builder, who conned homeowners across Cornwall, has sparked a warning from Trading Standards.
An investigation found James Lee Knight persuaded at least eight to have repairs or extensions he failed to finish.
On Wednesday 24th March, the 44-year-old from Reawla near Hayle was jailed for two and a half years.
Between January 2017 and September last year (2020), his victims lost a collective total of over ÂŁ100,000: Read More.
Scroll down to read the five signs that you might be dealing with a rogue trader and what to do if you are worried.
Nigel Strick from Cornwall's Trading Standards wants others to avoid the same misery and has this advice:
"Do make sure that they have proper quotes on proper headed paper - that they do provide you with the paperwork explaining what your rights are to cancel within the first few weeks.
"If all else fails, people should definitely only deal with businesses that are recommended to them by close family friends or close family members that can be trusted".
Nigel Strick, Cornwall Trading Standards
How can I spot a 'Rogue Trader'?
The most common types of work offered are roofing, driveways and gardening. They mainly operate during the spring and summer months when lots of people are looking to get work done around the house and garden. It is difficult to tell the difference from a real tradesman however they will:
1) Offer to do small jobs cheaper than competitors. However, once started they claim that urgent and more expensive repair work is needed on your property when this is not the case.
2) Claim they can start immediately and offer special discounted deals if you pay in cash now, trying to rush your decision.
3) Complete similar work in your area to give you confidence in them. However, scammers have been known to finish one job in order to get into a local area. They then go on to scam, mislead and overcharge additional customers in the surrounding area.
4) They can have a local telephone number and claim to have a local business premises. Telephone numbers can now be purchased and business units can be let short term. Scammers will often go to great lengths to make you believe they are local.
5) They may even drive a branded vehicle and have a website that they can direct you toare able to supply a business card.
Call 101 to report any suspicious activity. If you feel scared or threatened call 999 and ask for the police.
For more information on spotting the signs of a rogue trader visit the Trading Standards site.
Source: Police Scotland
Nigel Strick added: "As soon as people have got any concerns, as soon as they think that something's going wrong or if they think they haven't got the right paperwork provided to them at the beginning of a job or anything like that, they should speak to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline.
"If our colleagues at Citizens Advice think that there's something more untoward going on or suspect criminal intent, they will refer the matter through to us to look at".
Nigel Strick, Cornwall Trading Standards
You'll find more advice on how to spot a rogue trader or protect yourself from doorstep crime on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.
Call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline for free on 0808 223 1133 or visit theCitizens Advice website
You can also find simple ways to solve your everyday consumer problems on the Which? website.