Conmen could prey on vulnerable residents by offering to do property repair work in the wake of recent stormy weather, trading standards services and the government’s advice body are warning homeowners.

The warning follows a number of reports from households who have found tradespeople "touting for business" in areas where properties were affected by the storm.

Rogue traders will prey on people’s concerns about the condition of their property following the bad weather and often undertake work that is not needed, of poor quality and vastly overpriced.

Carol Brady, operations manager for Consumer Direct, the government's advice service said: "If you have suffered storm damage to your house or garden, you might be tempted to accept the first offer that comes along, but this doesn't always guarantee that you'll be pleased with the result."

"We are advising people to contact their insurance company in the first instance, and follow some simple steps to reduce the risk of being ripped off."

Trading Standards is gives the following advice to householders who believe that they have had damage caused to their property as a result of the bad weather:

• Never do business with an unknown trader who cold calls at your house.
• Always make an initial check with your insurance company to see if they have a procedure for dealing with storm damage. This may include only using authorised traders to carry out the repairs.
• If practical and safe, take photographs of the damage and work carried out.

Where immediate repairs are necessary:

• Use well established companies who have fixed premises and telephone numbers (not mobile phones).
• Go by personal recommendation wherever possible.
• Use companies that have fixed addresses.
• Ensure that you obtain clear invoices of the work carried out.
• Pay by cheque or credit card and do not give cash sums in advance to unknown traders.

Anyone concerned about bogus property repairers can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for further advice.