Website adds peace of mind when it comes to selecting a trusted trader

How many times have you heard the phrase: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”?

We all try to be as careful as we possibly can when it comes to avoiding becoming a victim of fraud or dodging a scam.

But so convincing and/or sophisticated are some fraudsters, that extra vigilance on the part of the consumer is now vital.

You may have heard about a new website highlighted by TV consumer champion, Matt Allwright, on a recent episode of Watchdog. The site provides a user-friendly online checker tool for customers searching for reliable and trusted businesses.

The Financial Conduct Authority www.fca.org.uk regulates the conduct of around 42,000 businesses in the UK to ensure that financial markets work well. But it isn’t just limited to financial companies; professional trades can also register and in fact, you may find some of our own valued Safe Local Trades members listed too – providing another layer of security.

Our members (or other home improvement companies) may appear on the register because they act as credit brokers or appointed representatives for finance companies, allowing them to offer payment plans, loans, or insurance for their work.

This may include offering financing options (like 12 months interest-free) to pay for a new boiler or bathroom installation; they are engaging in regulated credit broking for example. This requires authorisation from the FCA.

The website also offers advice and signposting on checking firms, spotting the warning signs when it comes to scams and how to report suspected scams.

We have touched on this before, but we cannot reiterate enough the advice on spotting the warning signs.

Scams are hard to detect with fraudsters often mimicking legitimate websites and materials. If you get an unexpected call and feel uneasy, pause and check for these red flags:

• Is it unexpected? Scammers may reach out suddenly through calls, emails, texts, social media, mail, or in person.
• Are you pressured to act fast? They may push you to invest quickly with limited-time deals or bonuses.
• Does it sound too good to be true? Be wary of promises of high rewards.
• Is the offer exclusive? Claims that you've been specially chosen should raise suspicion.
• Are they flattering you? Building false friendships is a common tactic.
• Do you feel worried or excited? Fraudsters try to manipulate your emotions.
• Do they claim authority? Scammers often pretend to be knowledgeable or authorised.

If you’re worried about a potential scam, or you think you may have been contacted by a fraudster you can report it to the FCA on 0800 111 6768 or get in touch via the website.  If you have lost money to a scam, contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

It is important to be wary of future scams, even if you have been unlucky enough to be a victim of a scam. Sadly, fraudsters could try and target you again, or they may sell your details to other criminals.

The new scam might be completely different, or it could be related to the previous scam. For example, you could be contacted with an offer to get your money back or to buy back an investment after you pay a fee.?These are known as recovery room scams.

However, there is peace of mind to be had by using www.safelocaltrades.com as all our tried and test traders have been vetted.