South Wales Trading Standards Scam

Trading Standards are warning residents in the Vale to beware of bogus traders calling on people in their homes claiming to be from 'South Wales Trading Standards'.

This company contacts consumers who have recently had gardening or outside building work done on their property advising that they are working for South Wales Trading Standards and that they have a 'rogue trader' in police custody. Further to this, they advise that if a fee (e.g. £1,000) is paid to them, they will be able to gain compensation from the rogue trader on their behalf, possibly totaling the cost of the work undertaken.

Trading Standards Officers do not under any circumstances ask residents to pay a fee to recover money from rogue traders and any such requests should be reported immediately. Genuine Trading Standards officials will always carry identification and are more than happy for you to check that this identification is genuine.

Residents are always advised to beware of callers at their door who are uninvited, and to seek help or advice from the police or Trading Standards if they are unsure. Residents should check ID carefully and make the checks with the relevant council department before agreeing to anything. If you are approached in this way, please note a description of the individual and the registration number and make of vehicle and contact Trading Standards.

If you are approached, do not hand over any money or if you have been contacted by this company in the past, please contact Vale of Glamorgan Trading Standards on 01446 709105 or Consumer Direct Wales on 08081 566761.