Council leaders have warned the victims of the summer floods to beware of unscrupulous rogue traders and cowboy builders looking to exploit the damage and devastation caused…

Bogus traders have already been found operating in flood-affected areas. The fraudsters have offered a range of services including tree chopping, garden clearance, guttering, tarmacing and roof cleaning.

Council leaders have urged people to be vigilant and follow five simple steps to avoid being caught out:

• Ask for identification - genuine traders will carry ID.
  
  
• Always make sure you get a written quote for any work to be carried out.
  
  
• Only pay after the work has been completed.
  
  
• Check your chosen trader is approved by your insurance company.
  
  
• Contact your local trading standards office for guidance

Cllr Hazel Harding, chair of the LGA's Safer Communities Board, said:

"The tremendous efforts of everyone involved in the response to these terrible floods have been a credit to all the communities affected. It is extremely saddening that some people are seeking to exploit a national disaster for personal gain.

"Bogus traders are trying to take advantage of people when they are at their most vulnerable. This behaviour is despicable and deplorable. On behalf of all councils in England and Wales, I would urge residents to exercise care and caution if they are approached by traders offering services."

Profiting from desperation

Cllr Geoffrey Theobald, Chairman of LACORS, said:

"Experiences from previous natural disasters, including other flooding incidents, show that rogue traders and cowboy builders will seize any opportunity to profit from the desperation and hardship of others.

"It's wholly understandable that people will want to get their homes clean, dry and back in order as quickly as possible. But they mustn't be tempted by a promise of a quick fix from a complete stranger who knocks on their door. This will usually turn out to be expensive and of poor quality. Our advice is simple; if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

"Councils are committed to putting local people first and will not hesitate to bring swift action against anyone who tries to swindle or short-change those residents affected by the floods."