Reports of door to door fraudsters claiming to be from Cardiff Council

Shared Regulatory Services has received reports from residents in Cardiff concerning uninvited visits by fraudsters saying that they are from the council.

12.12.2025

They say that there’s a rat problem in the home and are demanding money to resolve the problem. This is FRAUD!

Council workers do not turn up uninvited and will only visit you to deal with a rat problem if you have reported it.

Stop and think.

Do not be rushed into making a decision that you wouldn’t normally make.

Be wary of uninvited tradespeople who call at your door offering to carry out work because they are “in the area” or “working on a house nearby” or were “just passing and noticed a problem” with your house. They can make you think that they are doing you a favour. Don’t agree to anything and always get opinions from other traders.

Never pay large sums of money upfront. If you’re told that the money is for materials, then say that you can pay for it yourself and have it delivered directly to you. Never pay upfront for labour or workers’ wages.

Always get a fixed, itemised quote before you agree to anything. An estimate can be subject to change. The trader’s paperwork should also feature a valid address and details of your cancellation rights.

Always get at least three quotes from elsewhere for the same amount of work and see if you can view examples of the trader’s previous work. 

For further advice and in the event of a dispute, you can contact the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.