25 January 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Checkatrade Issues Rogue Trade Warning
And Advises Against Illegal Use of Checkatrade Logo.
SUMMARY
Checkatrade has today issued a warning concerning the illegal use of their name and logo in the Surrey region. Rogue traders are fraudulently claiming Checkatrade membership to gain credibility as they cold call in search of work, and some have even threatened householders when discovered.
PRESS RELEASE
Checkatrade (www.checkatrade.com), the answer to the UK’s rogue trade problem, has today issued a warning concerning the illegal use of their name and logo in advertisements, leaflets and on traders' vehicles in the Surrey region. Many of these traders are using the Checkatrade name and logo to gain credibility as they cold-call householders seeking work. Checkatrade has also received reports of householders being threatened after realising that they have, in fact, employed rogues.
To ensure that they are hiring a genuine vetted and monitored Checkatrade member, the public is advised to check the trader's credentials with Checkatrade on 0845 4084866 before agreeing to have any work done. Real members would not object to this check being carried out.
Kevin Byrne, founder and CEO of Checkatrade, said: "It is clear to me that these rogues have realised that the public recognises and trusts the Checktrade brand. Although such imitation can be viewed as flattering, I cannot allow the general public to be duped in this way. Our motto is 'always checkatrade before you use them'. In this instance it cannot be more pertinent. Furthermore, Checkatrade members do not need to cold call for work, and threatening behaviour should not be tolerated under any circumstances".
The public can also check out a trader's credentials on their website www.checkatrade.com.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Checkatrade helps combat the UK's rogue trader problem by continuously vetting and monitoring local traders such as builders, plumbers and electricians. The idea was born in 1998 after a tornado hit the small West Sussex town of Selsey. Traders poured in from as far away as Liverpool and Manchester. Unfortunately, some ripped off the inhabitants of the town. Local businessman, Kevin Byrne, realised there was nowhere to check out the traders’ credentials and the company that became Checkatrade was formed.
Since then, Checkatrade has grown to include over 6,300 genuine trade members, growing by an average 120 new members every month, and, via the Royal Mail, distributes 5.9 million directories a year into communities throughout Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset and Berkshire, while the website includes traders from across the UK.
CONTACT INFORMATION
PR / Marketing, Checkatrade
5 - 6 Sherrington Mews, Ellis Square, Selsey, West Sussex, PO20 0FJ
Tel: 01243 601234
Fax: 01243 601246
info@checkatrade.com
