Yorkshire & Lincolnshire

They’ve got an actress pretending to be an elderly widow and they’re contacting traders about doing some repairs.

All the repairs needed are minor and shouldn’t cost much money.

All the traders involved have been the subject of previous complaints to Trading Standards about overcharging, unfair sales techniques or unsatisfactory work.

The traders don’t realise that the bungalow has been fitted with hidden cameras and microphones.

Matt Boxall, Trading Standards Manager at York City Council, says:

"It isn't entrapment. We are inviting them to come to the house to see what the problem is.

"There are various things that are wrong - all they have to do is to carry out the job properly.

"The message is that, if you try to rip people off, sooner or later Trading Standards or the police will catch you."

The victims

Victims of these traders are often older and on their own.

Valerie Chapman, who'd just been widowed, ended up with a bill for £5,000 worth of repair work to her roof, fascias and guttering.

"I feel I've been totally taken advantage of by a very plausible, very professionally-skilled salesman."

Thanks to Trading Standards the trader never got his money but she had to pay for most of the work to be redone.

Others aren't so lucky.

Caught on camera giving his £220 quote

The roofer

At the bungalow, Inside Out observes as roofer Andrew Evans comes and gives a quote for repairs where a ridge tile and some mortar have been removed.

He quotes £220 as the cost of the repairs, which Trading Standards say shouldn’t come to more than £100.

When it’s time to pay the bill, trading standards move in and arrest him.

Officers also call in other traders to examine work needed on the windows and the paving at the back of the bungalow.

Moving in to arrest the rogue trader

The consequences

At York Magistrates Andrew Evans admitted unfair trading and was fined £600 with £650 costs.

The window company is still being investigated by Trading Standards.

After the roofer was arrested the workmen laying the block paving never came back for their money.

They’ve changed address, and Trading Standards would like to talk to them.