Longford public urged to be vigilant of rogue traders
Gardaí in Longford are appealing for the public’s vigilance following recent reports of suspected rogue traders operating in the Longford & midlands area.
Gardaí were contacted in recent weeks regarding a number of incidents in which an agreement was made to carry out works.
Substantial deposits were paid over, however, works were never completed and in many instances never commenced.
Common reports include:
l Taking a deposit and never returning to do the work
l Quoting a price and then increasing the cost as the job progresses
l Produce poor quality work and refuse to sort out problems or finish the work
On the steps you can take to shut out the scammers, Crime Prevention Officer for Longford Roscommon Sergeant Damien Bartley offers the following advice;
l NEVER pay your contractor up front deposit for work which is not completed. Arrange a schedule of payments based on milestones of the work
l Research the companies you’re looking to use e.g. ask for references and look online
l Even if you get personal recommendations, follow up on all references provided and see work that has been completed by the contractor previously
l Get three written quotes from reputable businesses
l Request to see proof of qualifications in their trade
An Garda Síochána are urging members of the public whom suspect are a victim of a rogue trader to report such incidents without feeling embarrassed, as soon as possible, by contacting Longford Garda Station on 043 3350570 or your local Garda Station.
Sgt Bartley concluded, “We’ll talk you through what we can do to help.”