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Alert of possible cold callers in East Devon

Friday, 29 May 2026 10:00

By Chris Collman

Cold callers may be operating in East Devon and surrounding areas. They are claiming to be working on behalf of Exeter City Council who have asked them to cut back vegetation that’s ‘a danger’. They may start work without the homeowner’s consent before asking for money.

❗️No local authority will send people to carry out work on your property without your prior knowledge and consent.

❗️If cold callers come to your property, do not allow them to carry out any work.

❗️Do not pay them any money.

❗️If you are concerned they could be genuine council workers, call your local authority to check – find their details here: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

 

If you want work doing in your home or garden:

❌Don’t agree to work offered by unsolicited doorstep callers.

❌Don’t rely on posts or recommendations on social media sites or trader approval platforms without doing your own research.

❌Don’t be swayed by glossy flyers or impressive websites as they may not show the trader’s own work.

❌Don’t pay cash or agree to be taken to the bank or immediately transfer money before any work is started.

❌Don’t be rushed into making a decision.

 

Do make sure you:

✅Get three written quotes from reputable businesses.

✅Research the companies e.g. ask for references and look online.

✅Ask friends and family to recommend local traders or search via Buy With Confidence https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/

✅Decide who to use in your own time and make sure you have confidence in their skills and abilities.

✅Make sure you have the full name of the company and the person doing the work and their contact details (address, phone number, email).

✅Check ID if genuine appointments have been made.

✅Ask to see professional qualifications, public liability insurance and if applicable waste carriers licence.

✅ To check the service you use has a Waste Carriers Licence, go to: https://environment.data.gov.uk/…/search-waste-carriers…

 

Unlicensed carriers will often fly-tip your waste at roadsides and beauty spots. You could face an unlimited fine if your waste ends up fly-tipped and you cannot show that you took reasonable steps to prevent it.

✅ Always ask exactly what is going to happen to your waste and seek evidence that it is going to be disposed of appropriately. A legitimate, professional waste carrier should not object to being asked reasonable questions.

✅Get a proper invoice and receipt for your waste and retain this as proof.

✅Check if you’re entitled to your 14-day cooling-off period – see our guide https://www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk/tsi…/…

✅Ask if the company has an Alternative Dispute Resolution policy – is there any independent body to complain to if things go wrong?

✅Pay by bank transfer so the payment is traceable. If you can, use a credit card for payments between £100 and £30,000 because if you have a claim for breach of contract or misrepresentation against the supplier of the goods or services, Section 75 gives you the same claim against your credit card company.

✅If you are concerned rogue traders are operating in your area, always report it to Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/…/if-you-need-more…/

✅If you are concerned someone is at risk, always call the police.

✅If someone knocks on your door and you’re not sure, don’t open the door.

✅Find more information here https://www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk/…/sca…/

 

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