Highland Cow on Treslea Down
If you have problems with goods or services, or are concerned about rogue traders or scams, there are organisations that can help. The Parish Council encourages residents to seek professional advice and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
Quick Help
If you need advice about a consumer problem
Contact the consumer service run by Citizens Advice
Telephone: 0808 223 1133
They provide free, confidential advice on consumer rights and problems with traders.
If you think you have been the victim of fraud
Report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.
If you feel threatened or unsafe
Contact the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency).
Consumer Advice
Citizens Advice provides free guidance on a wide range of consumer issues, including:
- Faulty goods
- Problems with building work or home repairs
- Online shopping disputes
- Refunds and guarantees
- Misleading advertising
Information reported to Citizens Advice may be shared with National Trading Standards so that enforcement action can be taken where appropriate.
Doorstep Trading Advice
Be cautious if someone unexpectedly knocks on your door offering services such as:
- Roofing repairs
- Driveway resurfacing
- Gutter cleaning
- Tree cutting
- Home maintenance
Remember
- Do not feel pressured to agree immediately
- Always obtain written quotes
- Check the trader’s details and references
- Never pay large sums upfront
Legitimate traders will allow you time to consider your decision.
Common Scams
Some of the most common scams affecting residents include:
- Fake bank or parcel delivery text messages
- Energy rebate or government grant scams
- Investment and cryptocurrency scams
- Phone calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies
Never share personal or banking details with someone you do not trust.
Rogue Trader Alerts in Cornwall
Rogue traders sometimes target rural communities.
Warning signs may include:
- Cold callers offering urgent repairs
- Requests for immediate cash payments
- Work starting without a written quote
- Poor quality or incomplete work
If you see suspicious activity in the parish, report it through Citizens Advice so that it can be passed to National Trading Standards.
Sharing information helps protect neighbours and vulnerable residents.
Trusted Trader Schemes
Before hiring someone to carry out work on your home, consider using an approved trader scheme.
The Buy With Confidence scheme is supported by National Trading Standards and local authority Trading Standards services.
Approved traders have been vetted and agree to operate fairly.
Good practice when hiring a trader
- Get at least three quotes
- Ask for references
- Check reviews where possible
- Ensure you receive a written agreement
Helping Vulnerable Residents
Scams often target older or vulnerable residents. If you are concerned about someone in the parish who may need help dealing with traders or scams, encourage them to seek advice from Citizens Advice.