Residents are being warned to be on their guard against rogue traders after the recent heavy rain led to some flood damage in Oxfordshire.

As repairs begin Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team is warning that doorstep traders and cold callers might try to take advantage of the situation.

Many reputable traders will be booked up but people should be wary of tradesmen who say they can start the work the following day and push for a quick agreement to use them.

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People should first check whether their insurance policy includes emergency assistance support as most insurance companies will appoint their own tradespeople to carry out the work.

Residents should check references and if gas and or electrical work is involved, check the trader has the right qualifications and registrations.

If a business is on a recommendation websites, look at how they assess traders who are on their site and how they deal with complaints.

Get at least three written quotes and a written contract with the trader's identity, address and telephone number, details of costs and a payment schedule.

This should also include a timeframe for the work to be completed, details of what will happen with the rubbish to ensure it won’t be fly tipped or illegally dumped, the identity and qualifications of any sub-contractors and details of any cancellation requirements, if applicable.

A contract should be signed before any work starts and should include the total price for all work. Be wary and ask questions about any work that increases in price mid contract.

Never pay the total amount up front and avoid paying cash, the authority said.

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Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for public health, inequalities and community safety, said: “Our trading standards team is keen to get across the message that people shouldn’t agree to offers of building work, home repairs or maintenance that come from a cold call.

“Don’t be afraid to say no, don’t be pressured and check with others if the work is required and what is a fair price to pay. It really is a case of: ‘If it’s out of the blue, it’s not for you!’”

Any Oxfordshire resident who has concerns about cold calling or potential scams or wants some pre contract advice can contact the Citizens Advice National Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or by visiting its website citizensadvice.org.uk.

The Buy with Confidence website helps Oxfordshire residents to find local traders who have been vetted and approved by trading standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.