Everything you need to stay safe, know your rights, and find trustworthy tradespeople — from the team at TradeWatch UK.
Before hiring anyone to work on your home, do your homework. The good news: it doesn't take long — and TradeWatch makes it straightforward.
Only hire from a vetted source like the TradeWatch Safe Trades Directory — where every listing has been independently verified.
Ask to see qualifications and certificates. For gas work, verify Gas Safe registration at GasSafeRegister.co.uk.
Always get at least three written quotes. Quotes significantly cheaper than others can be a red flag for substandard work.
Ask for references from recent local jobs and follow up on them. Be sceptical of businesses that can't provide references.
TradeWatch Tip
All tradespeople on TradeWatch have been vetted — you can see certifications, insurance status, and verified reviews right on their profile.
Rogue traders cost UK consumers over £2 billion every year. They range from incompetent sole traders to organised criminal gangs — but many use the same tactics.
Provide a clear written quote before work starts
Full scope of work, materials, labour, and total cost. No surprises, no additions without your written agreement.
Hold valid public liability insurance
Ask for the certificate and verify it's current. Any legitimate tradesperson will have this.
Welcome questions and provide references
Reputable tradespeople expect to be asked about their credentials. Reluctance is a warning sign.
Accept payment by card or bank transfer
Card payment provides consumer protections. Cash-only demands mean little recourse if work is poor.
If a tradesperson does any of the following, stop and think carefully before proceeding.
Doorstep selling or cold calling
They turn up uninvited claiming they "spotted a problem." This is a classic rogue trader tactic. Do not engage — always source your own trades.
Demands a large cash deposit upfront
Large cash payments before work begins — especially before you've seen credentials or signed a contract — is a major warning sign.
Cash only — no written quote
Refusing to provide a written quote or accepting only cash means there's no paper trail and virtually no recourse.
High-pressure "today only" offers
Creating urgency to force an immediate decision is a manipulation tactic. A reputable tradesperson will give you time to consider.
No fixed address or verifiable business details
If they can only be reached on a mobile and have no verifiable business details, they may be impossible to find if things go wrong.
As a consumer in the UK, you are protected by a number of laws when hiring tradespeople.
Any service must be performed with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time, and at a reasonable price. If work falls short, you're entitled to ask the trader to redo it at no extra cost or receive a price reduction.
If a contract was agreed away from the trader's premises (e.g. in your home, online), you have a 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
If you paid by credit card, Section 75 makes your card provider jointly liable for breach of contract for purchases over £100. If you paid by debit card, your bank's chargeback scheme may allow you to reclaim payments.
If you've been targeted by a rogue trader, you are not alone. TradeWatch UK has a dedicated support service.
Action Fraud
UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
0300 123 2040Citizens Advice
Free, independent advice on consumer rights and disputes.
0808 223 1133Crimestoppers
Report rogue traders anonymously, 24 hours a day.
0800 555 111 (free, anonymous)Financial Ombudsman
If your bank refuses a chargeback claim, the FOS can adjudicate.
financial-ombudsman.org.ukReporting rogue traders helps protect other consumers in your community.
Contact TradeWatch UK
Call 0333 772 4058 or email info@tradewatchuk.org. We'll log your report and advise on next steps.
Report to Trading Standards
Contact your local Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice helpline: 0808 223 1133.
Report to Action Fraud
Report at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Contact your bank about chargeback
If you paid by card, contact your bank as soon as possible to discuss chargeback or Section 75 protections.
Need to speak to someone now?
Our team can guide you through the process.