Wokingham

Wokingham trading standards service today warned flood victims across the Wokingham borough to be on their guard for cowboy builders and repair companies exploiting their desperate plight.

In previous emergencies, unscrupulous individuals have tried to take advantage of victims in the worst hit areas by offering quick-fix building and repair work which may be unnecessary or of poor quality.

Pauline McWilliams, principal trading standards officer for Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Unfortunately we know from previous incidents that conmen and disreputable companies will see the chance for making easy money from desperate families. Doorstep sellers will also seek to exploit the urgency of the situation facing victims.”

With further heavy rain forecast for later in the week, Wokingham Borough Trading Standards has advised people in affected areas to seek advice from their insurers, or to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

People with home insurance should get a minimum of three quotes for any work and then check with their insurers before getting work carried out. Those without insurance should contact Wokingham & District Citizens’ Advice Bureau on 0844 499 4126. They should not organise work without first getting several quotes and then agreeing the details of the work in writing.

Pauline McWilliams said: “We have lots of evidence from previous natural disasters, including other flooding incidents, that dodgy traders and cowboy builders take the opportunity to exploit the situation.”

Anyone requiring general advice should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 Evidence of scams or criminal trading activity should be reported to Wokingham Borough Council Trading Standards Service on 0118 974 6400 or Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505.

Wokingham Borough Council