'Don't leave it all up to scambusters'

Consumers should not rely solely on the new Trading Standards specialist task force to protect them against fraudsters and rogue traders, it has been suggested.

Tim Doherty, managing director at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon, welcomed the plans to set up such a team, but warned that consumers need to do their bit as well.

He suggested the new scheme would help "significantly" in targeting rogue traders in the industry, but added: "It certainly doesn't hurt to do your homework as well."

Some £7.5 million is set to be invested by the government in so-called scambuster teams who will work alongside the police force in order to eradicate fraudulent schemes.

Over the last 18 months, pilot schemes have uncovered some £16.5 million of fraud.

Mr Doherty described choosing building tradesmen as "one of the most important decisions" that need to be made during a self build or renovation project.

He highlighted that the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, set up by BuildStore, has a database of trade services to help people make their decision.

"Our database of trade services, supported by the Federation of Master Builders, is complete with customer feedback and referrals, so you can find the right people to work on your project," Mr Doherty said.

February is Scams Awareness Month, a campaign led by the Office of Fair Trading and supported by Trading Standards, Consumer Direct, the Advertising Standards Authority and a number of industry and consumer bodies.

It is aimed at providing consumers with information and skills needed to spot, report and stamp out scams.

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