Avoiding trade scams
Most traders are honest, but a few scams cost homeowners dearly every year. Here are the warning signs, the official authorities to report to, and free ways to check a firm before you hire. We never name a business here; we help you verify the one that quoted you.
Warning signs
Be wary of anyone who cold-calls, knocks, or messages saying they 'noticed a problem' with your roof, drive or gutters. Genuine tradespeople rarely tout for work this way, and pressure to decide now is a red flag.
Never hand over a big cash deposit before work starts. Agree staged payments tied to work you can actually see completed, and keep a written record.
Ask for the registered business name and check it. For gas, electrical and other regulated work, confirm the licence on the official register before anyone starts.
Get an itemised written quote covering labour, materials and any call-out fee before agreeing. A vague day rate or 'we'll sort it after' invites overcharging.
Check a firm for free
- Cowboy Checker : reviews, credentials, company status and risk signals for a named firm.
- Company Health Check : is the business still actively trading?
- Check a Gas Safe number (and other credential checks): verify regulated work on the official register.
Report a scam (official help)
- Citizens Advice consumer helpline (opens in new tab) : Official advice on your rights and reporting a problem trader.
- Report to Trading Standards (opens in new tab) : The route to report a rogue or scam trader to Trading Standards.
- Action Fraud (opens in new tab) : The UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime.
These are the official authorities' own services; MyTrustedTraders is independent and not affiliated with them.