THE Isle of Man Office of Trading is urging residents to be aware of rogue traders.

With the recent bad weather some householders may be concerned about roof damage and could be tempted by cold callers who say they can carry out the work.

An OFT spokesman said: "Good building firms and specialist roofers are probably very busy and may not be able to respond right away.

"Waiting for them may be a better option however than using cold callers who can leave your roof in a worse state than when they found it, if indeed there was any damage in the first place.

"Householders are advised to ensure that they use traders who have a known track record or are recommended by their insurance companies.

"It is a fact that most, if not all, of the genuine traders who carry out remedial work and home improvements do not cold call so always be aware of any trader who does so."

The OFT has issued the following advice to ensure people are not ripped off by a rogue trader

• ask for a written quotation detailing exactly what work will be done and how much it will cost before you allow the trader to start work and before you make any payments –  remember quotations cannot be altered by the trader but estimates are just that - a quotation for £500 cannot later be charged at £600 but an estimate of £500 can

• if the trader has cold called you are entitled to a cooling off period - contact the OFT for advice on this before you allow the trader to start work and before you make any payments

• take steps to find out who you are dealing with before you allow the trader to start work and before you make any payments - obtain details of the company or individuals - ask for an Isle of Man business address and telephone number, preferably for a landline – check with companies registry or the OFT to see if the company or business name is correctly registered

• never disclose any financial details such as your bank account number, PIN number or other account or credit card details and avoid cash payments

• do not make payments in advance, say for materials

• obtain other quotations or make enquiries of other traders before you make any commitment

• ask what relevant qualifications or experience the trader has and ask for references from other local customers before you allow the trader to start work and before you make any payments

• confirm the trader's membership of any trade body with the organisation itself before you allow the trader to start work and before you make any payments

Chief Inspector of Trading Standards John Peet said: "I am very concerned that cold calling rogue traders will take this opportunity to prey on the vulnerable or the elderly.

"They will think nothing of misleading householders as to the extent of the work necessary, overcharging for a simple repair or even demanding money for work that they haven't completed.

"I would urge everyone to help prevent this by watching out for your neighbours and telling friends and family to beware of doorstep traders. Do not be tempted by a promise of a quick fix."

The OFT produces a leaflet, Home Improvements – A guide to having work done on your home, which can be obtained from the office in Lord Street, Douglas, by ringing 686500 or from its website www.gov.im/oft

Anyone who needs any advice on the issue should ring on 686520.