Quick Answer
In 2026, report a rogue trader to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133), Action Fraud for criminal scams, or the trader's trade body. To recover money, use Section 75 (credit card), chargeback (debit card), or the small claims court (up to £10,000 in England/Wales).
Discovering that a tradesperson has ripped you off — poor workmanship, taking money and vanishing, or dangerous work — is deeply frustrating. In 2026, UK homeowners have several routes for reporting rogue traders and seeking financial redress. This guide explains exactly who to contact, how to get your money back, and how to protect others from the same experience.
In this guide
What Is a Rogue Trader?
A rogue trader is not simply a tradesperson who did a mediocre job. The term covers a spectrum of dishonest or dangerous behaviour:
- Taking payment and disappearing before completing work (ghost contractor)
- Deliberately overcharging for simple work, especially targeting elderly or vulnerable people
- Manufacturing or exaggerating problems to sell unnecessary work (scare tactics)
- Doing work they are not qualified for — gas work without Gas Safe registration, for example
- Producing dangerous workmanship that puts occupants at risk
- Using fake credentials, fake trade body memberships, or fake reviews
For a full list of warning signs to help you avoid rogue traders in the first place, see our guide on red flags when hiring a tradesperson in the UK.
How and Where to Report a Rogue Trader
| Report To | Best For | Contact | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Standards (via Citizens Advice) | Primary route for rogue trader complaints | 0808 223 1133 or citizensadvice.org.uk | Reports shared with Trading Standards officers who can investigate and prosecute |
| Citizens Advice Consumer Service | General consumer rights advice and referral | 0808 223 1133 | Helps you understand your rights and escalation options before taking action |
| Action Fraud | For fraud, advance fee scams, ghost contractors | actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 | UK's national fraud reporting centre — police can investigate criminal activity |
| The trader's trade body (FMB, Gas Safe, etc.) | For registered traders who did poor or dangerous work | Via the relevant body's website | Can investigate, revoke membership, and provide alternative dispute resolution |
| Online review platforms (Checkatrade, Google) | Warn other homeowners | Leave a detailed, factual review | Not an official complaint route but protects others and may prompt trader response |
| Small Claims Court (England/Wales) | Recover money for poor workmanship up to £10,000 | moneyclaim.gov.uk | Costs £35–£455 to file depending on claim size — usually cost-effective under £5,000 |
How to Get Your Money Back
The reporting routes above are about accountability — they may not recover your money directly. For financial redress, these are your main options:
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act (Credit Card)
If you paid by credit card and the total transaction was over £100, your credit card provider is jointly liable for the contractor's failure to deliver. Contact your bank and make a Section 75 claim. This is one of the most powerful consumer protections in UK law — use it.
Chargeback (Debit Card or Credit Card under £100)
For debit card payments or credit card payments under £100, you can request a chargeback from your bank. This reverses the transaction if the goods or services were not provided as agreed. You typically have 120 days from the transaction date, though limits vary by card scheme.
Small Claims Court (Money Claim Online)
For claims up to £10,000 in England and Wales (£5,000 in Scotland), you can use the small claims procedure. File online at moneyclaim.gov.uk. Court fees range from £35–£455 depending on the claim amount. You do not need a solicitor for small claims. If the trader does not respond, you can often obtain a judgment by default.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
If the trader is a member of a trade body that offers ADR (like the FMB or the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman), this can be faster and cheaper than court. The trade body acts as a neutral mediator. This option only exists if the trader is a scheme member.
For more on documenting poor workmanship and escalating complaints, see our guide on what to do if a tradesperson does a bad job. And if you were targeted by a scam, read home improvement scams in the UK: how to avoid them.
Preventing the Next Victim
Even if you cannot recover your money, reporting a rogue trader genuinely matters. Trading Standards build case files over time — your report might be the one that triggers an investigation. Action Fraud data is shared with police forces. And a detailed review on Google or Checkatrade could save another homeowner from the same experience.
Always think about whether you signed a written contract — the absence of one is one reason disputes become difficult. For future protection, read our guide on whether you need a contract with a builder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rogue trader?+
A rogue trader is a tradesperson who carries out work dishonestly, incompetently, or fraudulently. This includes: overcharging for unnecessary work, doing work they are not qualified for, taking payment and not completing the job (ghost contractor), using scare tactics to pressure vulnerable people, or performing dangerous work that puts occupants at risk.
Can I get my money back from a rogue trader?+
Yes, in several ways. If you paid by credit card (for amounts over £100), Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act makes your card issuer jointly liable — you can claim directly from the bank. For debit card payments, use the chargeback scheme (within 120 days typically). For cash payments, your options are the small claims court (moneyclaim.gov.uk) or a mediation service. Act quickly — the sooner you report, the better.
What evidence should I gather about a rogue trader?+
Document everything: photographs of the work before, during, and after; any written quotes, invoices, or contracts; bank statements showing payments; text messages, emails, and WhatsApp conversations; names, phone numbers, and vehicle registration if known; dates and times of all interactions. Keep originals — do not alter anything.
Will reporting a rogue trader to Trading Standards lead to prosecution?+
Not always and not quickly. Trading Standards are under-resourced and tend to prioritise cases involving serious harm, repeat offenders, or large-scale fraud. Your report contributes to a pattern that can eventually trigger investigation and prosecution. Even if no immediate action is taken, your report is valuable.
Can I leave a negative review about a rogue trader?+
Yes, provided it is factual and honest. Defamation law in the UK applies to false statements presented as fact. Stick to what you directly experienced — what they agreed to do, what they actually did, and the outcome. Do not exaggerate or include hearsay. A clear, factual negative review on Google or Checkatrade is a legitimate and effective way to warn others.
How do I avoid rogue traders in the future?+
The most effective protections are: using a vetted platform like GetQuickHelp where tradespeople have verified reviews, getting multiple written quotes before agreeing to any work, never paying cash in full upfront, always asking for proof of insurance, and knowing the red flags. See our full guide on red flags when hiring a tradesperson.
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