Rogue traders prey on the elderly

Beware of illegal gas fitters targeting the elderly, warns Gas Safe Register

Alarming research released by Gas Safe Register today reveals that over-65s are most at risk from rogue traders, with nearly half (42%) of the elderly population in the UK saying they have already been targeted by preying tradesman on their own doorstep.

With Age UK figures claiming that nearly 2.5 million people fell victim to scams last year, Gas Safe Register is warning older people that they might be vulnerable to unscrupulous rogues.

Worryingly, the survey carried out for Gas Safe Register found that over-65s don't always know how to keep themselves safe from rogue traders. Only 7% think carrying an ID card is important for a tradesman; one in three (37%) would hand over cash for a job which then can't be traced; and most are not fully aware what to do if a tradesman does a poor job in their home, with only a quarter of over-75s prepared to report substandard work to Trading Standards. One in ten older people have also had to say "no" very aggressively to get rid of fast-talking rogue traders on their door step.

The survey also identified over-75s as being particularly at risk, with many saying if the illegal gas fitter seemed polite and helpful then they wouldn't always think twice about making further checks.

Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Gas Safe Register, explains the dangers: "All too often our investigations team find illegal gas fitters specifically preying on the elderly, offering discounted OAP rates and using charm tactics. Many use the Gas Safe logo on their van, adverts or paperwork when they are not registered. With a quarter of a million gas jobs carried out every year by illegal gas fitters who don't have the skills or the qualifications to work safely on gas, it is vital that older people always check that the engineer they use is on the Gas Safe Register or they could be putting their lives and pocket at risk."

Sadly, this was the case for 70-year old widow Patricia when she needed a new boiler and central heating system last winter. She was caught out by illegal gas fitters who "sounded friendly." Their local advert stated they were big enough to cope but small enough to care; only this wasn't the case when they left her with a dangerous gas boiler she couldn't use in the winter and couldn't afford to fix after already handing them nearly £6,000.

Paul Johnston adds:

"We want to help older people understand how to keep themselves safe from illegal gas fitters and our advice is always ask to see the Gas Safe ID card before letting anyone work on your gas appliances. If you're in any doubt, contact us immediately on our free helpline. Illegal gas work could cost you twice to rectify, or worse, it could cost you your life."

Let's talk gas safety. Gas Safe Register's top tips for the elderly:

• Never trust a gas fitter on first impressions or recommendations alone, no matter how helpful and polite they seem - always ask for the Gas Safe Register ID card. It's the only way you can guarantee that your engineer is legally allowed to work on your gas boiler, gas fire and gas cooker.
• Check on the back of the Gas Safe Register ID that the engineer is registered for the specific type of work you need. If they're registered to fit gas boilers, it doesn't mean they are automatically qualified to put in a gas fire, for example.
• After the gas work is done, you can nominate your home for a free gas safety check from Gas Safe Register.
• If you suspect an illegal gas fitter report them to Gas Safe Register anonymously.
• Gas Safe Register can help you find a local Gas Safe registered engineer. Call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500 or go to www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk

Source - Gas Safe Register

Posted Date: 05th Oct 2011