People in Pembrokeshire are being warned to be wary of cold callers after Storm Darragh.
Pembrokeshire Trading Standards has issued a warning to the public to be cautious of rogue traders and cold callers who may try to exploit the damage caused by Storm Darragh.
Councillor Jacob Williams, Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, said: “Opportunistic rogue traders may exploit the situation left in Storm Darragh’s wake by persuading residents that their properties require urgent attention such as repairs to fences, replacement of loose roof tiles or the removal of damaged trees.
“They may apply pressure by claiming that work needs doing immediately to secure the property, charge excessive amounts and insist on up-front payments.
“Paperwork is often not provided or contains incorrect contact details.
“Often work carried out is of poor quality, and as work proceeds the traders can claim more work is required than is actually necessary.”
Trading Standards has advised the public not to deal with cold callers offering to undertake work, regardless of their claims.
They also suggest contacting your home insurance provider to check what you are covered for and the procedure for making any claim.
They recommend speaking to family, friends or neighbours for recommendations of tradesmen, obtaining several written quotes, and being cautious of responding to leaflets dropped at home, advertisements on social media, trader platforms and online reviews.
They have also warned the public to take time to decide, as reputable traders will not pressure you into making a decision.
Suspicious activity, concerns about traders working or leafleting in your area, or being a victim of a rogue trader can be reported to Trading Standards by contacting the Citizens Advice helpline on 0808 223 1133, or the police on 101.