7 Red Flags to Spot a Rogue Trader in County Durham
When it comes to improving your home in County Durham—whether it’s installing a new driveway, revamping your garden, or adding a patio—hiring the right professional is crucial. But with the rise of rogue traders in the region, how can you protect yourself from being scammed? At S&D Services, we believe in honesty, quality workmanship, and customer satisfaction. That’s why we've created this comprehensive guide to help homeowners identify the warning signs of a rogue trader before it's too late.
Here are 7 red flags to watch out for when hiring a driveway, patio, or garden contractor in County Durham:
1. No Website or Online Presence
In today’s digital world, any reputable local business should have a website or active social media page. These give you somewhere to:
- View their services in detail
- See photos of past work and case studies
- Find accurate contact details
Why it matters: If they don’t have a website or online presence, it can be difficult to verify who they are or how long they’ve been trading. It also means you may have no way to get in touch if things go wrong.
Red flag: If you can’t find them online at all, or their Facebook page was created just last week with no information or interaction, it could indicate they’re not a legitimate business.
2. No Reviews or Suspicious-Looking Testimonials
A trustworthy business earns feedback from real local customers. Look for genuine reviews on Google, Facebook, Yell, or Trustpilot.
What to look for:
- Reviews that mention specific projects, locations, or outcomes
- A mix of dates and reviewer names
- Reviews supported by photos or recommendations
Red flag: If all their reviews were posted within a short period, or they’re vague and overly positive without any detail, they could be fake. Equally, if you can’t find any reviews at all, it may mean they’re inexperienced—or worse, hiding negative feedback.
3. Only a Mobile Number, No Landline or Physical Address
Legitimate businesses will typically provide multiple methods of contact, including:
- A landline number
- A business email address
- A physical address (often visible on their website or invoices)
Why it matters: If you need to chase them up or raise an issue, having only a mobile number makes them much harder to find and hold accountable.
Red flag: If they refuse to share a business address or only operate by mobile, they may not be planning to stick around after the job.
4. They Knock on Your Door Uninvited
Some rogue traders go door-to-door, especially in quieter or rural areas. They might say they’ve “got materials left over” or offer to start immediately for a bargain price.
Typical warning phrases:
- "We were just working nearby and had some tarmac left over"
- "We can start right now if you pay cash"
Red flag: Professional contractors don’t knock on doors offering unsolicited services. High-pressure tactics are a clear warning sign. Always take time to research any company, no matter how good the offer sounds.
5. They Can Start Tomorrow With No Written Plan
While fast availability isn’t always suspicious, experienced and trusted tradespeople are usually booked up for weeks in advance.
What a good company provides:
- A written quote or estimate
- A detailed breakdown of what’s included
- A timeline with agreed start and finish dates
Red flag: If someone says they can start immediately and won’t provide anything in writing, it could mean they’re unqualified, desperate, or planning to take your money and run.
6. Cash Only & No Written Quote or Contract
Cash-in-hand jobs can seem convenient—but they come with big risks. Rogue traders avoid contracts and receipts to leave no paper trail.
What to look for from a professional:
- Itemised written quotes
- Proper invoices
- A signed agreement outlining the scope of work
Red flag: If they insist on being paid in full upfront, or refuse to put anything in writing, walk away. Without documentation, you have no protection if things go wrong.
7. No Portfolio or Proof of Previous Work
Reputable businesses are usually proud to show off their work. Before hiring anyone, ask to see examples of recent projects.
Ask to see:
- Photos of driveways, patios, or garden makeovers they’ve completed
- Before and after images
- Customer testimonials linked to
Need Trusted Local Experts for Your Driveway or Garden?
At S&D Services, we’re committed to honest, high-quality workmanship backed by glowing local reviews and transparent pricing. We’re proud to serve homeowners across County Durham with driveways, patios, and garden projects designed to last.
Don’t risk your home or your money — contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
