The FMB has issued a leaflet warning householders of the dangers of rogue door-to-door maintenance traders masquerading as professionals, selling anything from roofing repairs, guttering and gardening services to path and driveway work.
The Federation of Master Builders, the UK's largest building trade association, says it's time for UK homeowners to wise up to these bogus builders, and advises homeowners to "never, ever, buy from someone offering building services at the door", a message endorsed by Trading Standards.
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The FMB’s ‘Beware the Summer Doorknockers’ awareness campaign has received an unprecedented amount of support from politicians. Some have got in touch requesting supplies of campaign literature to distribute through their constituency offices, while others have contacted the FMB with messages of support and offers of help.
Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott wrote to the FMB and said: “I agree with you that it is important to prevent rogue traders from preying on people and conning people out of money. I wish you luck with your campaign.”
Green Party MSP, Robin Harper contacted the FMB to reveal his own experience of rogue traders. He said: “first became aware of this practice when visiting my late father 20 years ago, when a door knocker volunteered to mend a broken roof tile.
“Subsequent inspection of damage to a wall that provided access to the roof corner showed they had probably caused the damage themselves at an earlier date, and were round to cash in. I persuaded my father to promise never to speak to these people under any circumstances well done for the campaign."
(JM/SP)
