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Find consumer advice
Find out how to get advice about scams and other consumer issues and how to report them.
If you need help, you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Text Phone on 18001 0808 223 1133 and a trained adviser can give you advice over the phone.
The helpline adviser can:
give you practical and impartial advice on how to resolve your consumer problem
tell you the law that applies to your situation
pass information about complaints on to Trading Standards - you can’t do this yourself
If you’d like more information about how to protect your community and the people you love from scams, visit the Friends Against Scams website and become a friend today.
Home improvements
Thinking of home improvements, follow these basic steps to avoid being scammed by rogue builders and contractors:
Never employ anyone who cold calls at your home, and be wary if they can start immediately
Make sure you get details of reliable accredited builders from approved trader schemes, like the Trading Standards Buy With Confidence scheme, and get at least 3 quotes to fit your budget
Always get written proof of what you and your builder have agreed to in the form of a contract, including:
precise details of the work
time scale for the work to be completed
stage payments - never pay up front, agree stage payments which covers work up to the point the work is completed
your cancellation rights - this is a legal requirement
Avoid paying in cash or by bankers draft as you may not have financial protection
Check with the Building Control and Planning Departments about building regulations and planning permission, as some consumers assume their builder or architect is dealing with this, remember it is your responsibility and not theirs