Safety measures

1. If you're hiring

• Check the licence number shown with your local licensing authority.
• Get a written quote before work starts.
• Be wary of anyone who wants cash up front or pushes you to decide on the spot.
• Pay after the work is done, electronically or with a receipt.
• Many places give you a cooling-off period when someone sells to you at your door. Check your local consumer rules.

2. If you're the one travelling

• Agree the job, the price and the address in writing before you go.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to finish.
• For bigger jobs, ask for a deposit for materials and give a receipt.
• Give an invoice, and take payment electronically.
• If something feels wrong when you arrive, you can leave.

3. Problems

• Use Report on the visit, and report a scam to your local scam-reporting service.