Trading Standards - Storm Damage Scams - Find Trusted Traders

31st January 2025

If your property was damaged in recent stormy weather, don't trust cold callers who offer to repair the damage on the spot or online adverts offering special deals and advertising 5-star reviews.

You can find local businesses and traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards on the Approved Trader portal at approvedtrader.scot.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published a set of useful tips to help people choose a trader recommendation site that safely connects them to a trustworthy trader and protects them if things go wrong.

There are trader platforms and directories that make claims or call their members trusted or approved members with little or no vetting. By using a council-backed scheme customers can avoid rogue traders, minimise risk, and have access to an official Trading Standards complaints process that is backed by Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) if things don't go as expected.

All the official council-backed Trusted Trader scheme members are vetted by Trading Standards, ensuring that customers can choose a trader with confidence.

What to Consider When Using Trader Recommendation Sites
The following tips have been compiled by the CMA:
Don't rely solely on claims of ‘trustworthiness' from the trader recommendation site
Many use terms like ‘trusted', ‘reliable', or ‘expert’ to describe their listed traders. However, it’s important to check exactly what the site does to verify these claims. There should be clear information on their website, but if you have any further questions contact the trader recommendation site to ask about their vetting process

Choose a trader recommendation site that verifies trader details
Some sites may only rely on traders’ self-reported information. To protect yourself, look for a site that goes beyond self-assessment and has an effective vetting process which involves things like verifying the trader’s identity, experience, and qualifications; ensuring the trader has the necessary licenses, insurance, and certifications for tasks such as electrical work or gas installation; and providing information about how frequently they check traders’ credentials and qualifications (for example, annually or when concerns arise).
If available, check any information on the site about how many traders fail these checks or are refused membership.

Make sure the trader recommendation site has a strong complaints process
Before choosing a site to use, make sure it has a complaints procedure which appears to be easy to use. Look for details about how complaints are handled, including whether the process is straightforward and whether the trader recommendation site commits to a timely response to complaints.
Check if the site offers support in resolving disputes or provides alternative dispute resolution services if issues do arise with a trader.

Understand how the trader recommendation site monitors traders and sanctions poor performance
A site should continuously monitor the performance of listed traders. Look for sites that have systems in place to identify traders with poor performance, such as regular reviews of customer feedback or alerts for repeated complaints and that act promptly when issues arise, including suspending or removing traders who fall short of required standards.
If available, check any information on the site about how many traders were suspended or removed due to poor performance or misconduct.

Be cautious about online reviews
If the trader recommendation site includes customer reviews, check what steps they take to make sure reviews are genuine. This could include checking to see if reviews are flagged as being from a verified customer or whether the site verifies reviews and has processes to remove fake or misleading feedback.

Compare traders before deciding
Don’t rush into selecting a trader based on the first recommendation you find. Review and compare several options, pay attention to important details like experience, qualifications, certifications and verified customer reviews. You can also cross-check information on other sites, such as trade associations or independent review platforms, to ensure you’re making an informed decision.
Know your consumer rights
Remember you have important legal rights and should be treated fairly. For example, a trader must act with reasonable care and skill when carrying out building or home improvement work.
You also have cancellation rights depending on the circumstances in which you agreed a contract. For example, if you sign a contract in your home or online you can cancel for any reason, up to 14 days before the work begins.

Find out more about your rights or report issues with traders to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or visit https://consumeradvice.scot.

Find out More
Approved Trader Portal: approvedtrader.scot
CMA Advice: www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-to-consider-when-using-trader-recommendation-sites