COUNCIL trading standards officers have urged people to be on their guard following an increase in mobile gangs offering cheap building work in the Medway area.

The trading standards team says there is a rising number of complaints from people who have been charged large amounts of money by roving traders for poor workmanship on their homes. In several cases, the cowboy traders have physically taken homeowners to the bank to withdraw cash to pay them.

Medway Council, which is working closely with the South East Trading Standards Authority (SETSA), says some of the rogue traders are deliberately targeting the elderly or vulnerable. People who keep large amounts of cash in their houses or are easily taken in by friendly smiles and stories are also being warned to be cautious.

Trading standards officials say there has been an increase in mobile gangs who say they can do jobs for a special price or with leftover materials, but often increase the fee once work has started.

Customers who have been tricked in to accepting their work often end up paying hundreds or in some cases thousands of pounds for the work, which is either not needed or not up to the required standard.

Cllr Angela Prodger, portfolio holder for community safety and enforcement, added: "The targeting of people at home and pressuring them into making poor financial decisions is a constant worry. It is always best to get several quotes and take time to decide who to use."

Medway Council's trading standards officers said it is important for the gangs to be caught on the job as once they have left a house is can be almost impossible to trace them. If you suspect a rogue trader is working in your area, you can contact Trading Standards on 01634 333555.

lpatrick@thekmgroup.co.uk

MEDWAY Council's Trading Standards department has issued a checklist to help you identify legitimate and bogus builders. These include:

• ALWAYS try and use a builder who is referred to you by a family or friend.

• ASK for help from respected trade bodies. Contact the National Federation of Builders for a list of registered members.

• ALWAYS get more than one estimate. Ask two or three builders for quotes and always get them to hand them in writing. Ask them to confirm whether there is any planning permission required for the work.

• ASK for references and check them.

• CHECK the builder is a member of a respected trade body.

• AGREE the work and put it in writing. You should make an agreement or contract in writing with your builder, which should outline all elements of the work to be done. The National Federation of Builders offers an easy-to-follow contract for just £9.95.

• ASK to see the builder's public liability insurance certificate. Also, the building work may affect your home and contents insurance.

• AVOID paying deposits and agree any payments in writing.

• BEWARE of the VAT-free deal. A VAT free deal means one of two things. Either the builder does not do more than £47,000 worth of business per year or he is avoiding his legal tax liabilities.