Triple glazing rogue traders targeting East Riding residents

Residents across the East Riding are being warned to be on their guard following a number of reports of rogue traders cold-calling at properties offering to install triple glazing.

The warning comes from East Riding of Yorkshire Council's trading standards team who have received a number of complaints including from one homeowner who was persuaded by cold-callers that recently-installed double glazing needed replacing while another paid in advance for triple glazing only for the work not to be carried out.

Now trading standards officers are offering advice to residents who may be approached by cold-callers not only offering triple glazing and claiming the current double glazing needs replacing but anyone who offers work or services on the doorstep.

People should:

• be very wary of any salesperson that asks for a large deposit or full payment up front
• be suspicious of any firm that offers to do work in a short time scale as reputable businesses are usually very busy
• if the double glazing at the property is relatively new, check with the original installer as if there is a problem as they may have a legal responsibility to put the issues right
• ensure any replacement windows and doors conform to current building regulations. If the business is not a member of a competent person scheme such as FENSA or CERTAS, it is the homeowners responsibility to apply to the local authority for building regulations approval
• check with FENSA or CERTAS that the trader really is a member of their organization
• check online reviews
• ask for identification - all qualified and reputable installers should carry photo ID and will be happy to show this
• get three quotes from different providers and compare prices and work
• get recommendations from family, friends and neighbours
• contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service for legal advice on 0808 223 1133.

Councillor Kerri Harold, portfolio holder for public health and tackling inequalities at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "I would urge all householders across the East Riding to think carefully before agreeing to any work, parting with any money or giving any sort of information to cold-callers.

"People need to think about whether the offer seems genuine or if the salesperson is pressuring them into making a quick decision. If the offer seems too good to be true, it usually is.

"Reputable firms are happy to give customers some space and time to think before agreeing a contract for goods or services and in most cases householders have the right to cancel contracts agreed at home within a statutory 14-day cooling off period.

"However, difficulties can arise when the work has already been done and/or the householder has already paid as it can be almost impossible to get a resolution."

For advice or to report any concerns about cold-calling or other trading standards matters, you can contact Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.