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Be aware of Doorstep scams: Cold callers who appear at your home offering to do work such as driveways, roofing, or gardening. The work is often overpriced and poorly done, and the "traders" are untraceable. Bogus tradesmen: These individuals provide fake identities or contact information, deliver poor-quality work, or bill you for services you never agreed to. How to avoid scams Don't deal with cold callers: Never agree to work or offers from unsolicited doorstep callers, whether in person or by phone. Be wary of high-pressure tactics: Be suspicious of "limited time" offers or pressure to act immediately. Never pay large upfront fees: Legitimate traders do not ask for large payments before starting work. Be especially cautious about paying by cash, as it is untraceable. Do your research: Always get quotes from multiple, reputable tradespeople. Check that they have a physical address and can show ID or credentials. For online traders, check if they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or are a registered firm with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Don't be rushed: Take your time to make a decision and get a written quote. What to do if you've been scammed Report it: Report the incident to Action Fraud or your local Trading Standards via Citizens Advice. Contact your bank: Report the fraud to your bank or credit card company immediately. Stop all contact: If you are dealing with an online scam, do not invest any more money or give them further information. | 
