The Internet has become our 'go to' way for finding traders. However, not all traders that are found online are genuine and there are many platform sites or other trader schemes that unknowingly host rogue traders wither because they do not do any checks at all on the traders as they are simply traders paying to advertise or because the checks carried out re not rigorous enough to prevent rogue traders getting through their 'vetting' process.
Croydon Trading Standards have unfortunately been made aware of several instances recently where unsuspecting consumers have engaged in the services of traders paying to be members of online platforms, only to be charged for poor quality work, have more damage caused to their property than originally existed and for the work to be unfinished.
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Please see below the approved trader schemes that Croydon trading Standards would recommend using to find a trader.
TRUST MARK www.trustmark.org.uk/find-a-tradesman 03333 555 1234
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE www.buywith confidence.gov.uk 01392 383430
WHICH/ TRUSTED TRADERS http://trusttedtraders.which.co.uk/ 0117 405 4689
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If you are a Croydon resident and are struggling financially but need repair work carried out on your home, you may be able to get assistance from Croydon Council's Staying Put Team:
020 8760 5505 HSG-stayingput@croydon.gov.uk
https://www.croydon.gov.uk/housing/home-owners-and-leaseholders/staying-put-service