Householders just need to say 'No' to rogue traders, this is the advice given by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to all householders as part of this week's National Rogue Traders Week.

Trading Standards estimate that over £170 million is stolen every year from nearly 90,000 unsuspecting homeowners across the UK by rogue traders. The fear is that this set to increase as more and more cash strapped householders resort to paying ‘cash in hand’ as a way to cut costs or avoid paying VAT.

To help protect householders the FMB, in conjunction with Trading Standards, has published its 'Nail the Rogues' leaflet which gives advice to householders on how to spot and avoid a rogue trader as well as how to find a reputable trader. A window sticker is also available which can be placed in a front window to warn off rogues. On the back of the sticker there is information about how to spot and get rid of a rogue trader who may be standing on your doorstep.

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Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB said: "Rogue traders come in all shapes and sizes. They may look and sound quite professional but one way to spot them is by the lines they may use to try and talk you into parting with your cash. Cold callers may say things like, ‘I was just passing and I noticed you have loose tiles on your roof’, to frighten householders into doing business with them.

"If anyone ever comes to your door offering home maintenance services you should ask them to leave and don’t engage them in conversation. If they won’t leave say you do not buy goods and services at the door. If they still won’t leave and you feel intimidated call the police who will always be happy to help with this sort of incident."

(CD/GK)