What is fraud?
Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage, which is often financial, over another person.
There are many words used to describe fraud: Scam, con, swindle, extortion, sham, double-cross, hoax, cheat, ploy, ruse, hoodwink, confidence trick.
Website: Financial Fraud Action UK (opens in a new window)
What is a rogue trader?
Not all traders are rogue traders. It is important to find one who can help you. You can use the Check a Trade website (opens in a new window) to find a reliable trader. Ask friends and family if they can recommend a reliable trader.
A rogue trader is a trades person such as a builder or plumber who will offer to do work for you but may do one of the following:
- they might provide low quality or dangerous work
- they may not produce work to the standard or price that has been agreed
- they may increase the cost of the work half way through
- they may recommend or do unnecessary work
- they may damage your property so they can then "fix" the problem for you
- they may do work they are not qualified to do, for example, working with gas appliances when not gas safe registered
- they may commit fraud or burglary
- they may bully or threaten a customer into agreeing to work
What is a scam?
Scams are schemes to con you out of your money. This can include people knocking on your door, calling you on the telephone or even putting a letter or leaflet through your door. Scams can also be found online via your email, web browser or within social media.
Website: Which? How to spot a scam (opens in a new window)
Website: Citizens Advice Bureau (opens in a new window)
Trading Standards
Trading standards is the local government service that works to protect consumers and support legitimate business. For more information visit the Worcestershire Trading Standards (opens in a new window) website.