When someone rings your doorbell offering to clean your driveway, it can be tempting to take them up on the offer, especially if your driveway could use some attention. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the person at your door is a legitimate trader and not a scammer. In Scotland, many people fall victim to cold-calling scams each year, so taking precautions is essential. Here’s how to decide whether you should hire them.
1. Verify their Credentials
The first step is to confirm that they are a genuine trader. Ask for their trading address and landline phone number. A reputable trader should have no issue providing this information. If they hesitate or cannot provide these details, it’s best to avoid hiring them.
2. Request a Written Quote
Before agreeing to any work, ask for a written quote. This ensures that the contractor cannot demand more than the agreed amount unless you specifically ask for additional work. Be cautious if the trader refuses to put a quote in writing, as this is a strong indication that they may not be reliable.
3. Choose a Safe Payment Method
When it comes to payment, only agree to pay at the end of the job when you’re satisfied with the work. This helps protect you from situations where a trader might take payment upfront but then fail to complete the job. Additionally, always pay using a credit card, which gives you the ability to reclaim your money if necessary. Never pay in cash, as it offers no protection if something goes wrong.
4. Ensure Completion Before Payment
A genuine contractor should not refuse to let you pay only after the work is completed to your satisfaction. If they insist on payment upfront or before the job is done, this is a major red flag. Paying only after the job is complete ensures that the work is done correctly and to your standards, avoiding the risk of the trader disappearing without finishing the work.
By ensuring the trader passes these four key tests, you can protect yourself from potential scams and hire with confidence. If the contractor at your door can’t meet these criteria, it’s simply not worth the risk of hiring them.
For more information on your consumer rights or for further advice, the team at consumeradvice.scot is available to help. You can reach them via freephone at 0808 164 6000, or through web chat and email at consumeradvice.scot. Stay vigilant, and protect yourself from potential scams by taking the necessary precautions.