Trading Standards experts have revealed the top 10 most frequent consumer complaints.

Second-hand cars and home improvements are the two most commonly identified by Essex Trading Standards.

Roger Walters, Essex County Council lead member for Trading Standards, said: “The team receives thousands of calls about second-hand cars each year and there are a number of simple checks you can make to avoid a bad experience, these include checking the car’s value online, viewing it in daylight with a family member with more experience and going for a test drive.”

Home improvements have been another issue for Essex County Council with rogue traders becoming an increasing problem.

“Another key priority is home maintenance and improvements, which covers the issue of rogue and doorstep traders. We strongly advise never to agree a trader who knocks on the door and to check any leaflets through the door as these can contain false addresses and pay as you go telephone numbers that cannot be traced,” he added.

Earlier this year, Essex County Council, Essex Police and Age UK Essex launched a campaign to raise awareness to help prevent the most common target, the elderly, becoming victims to rogue traders.

In the last 12 months, residents have sought advice over second-hand cars, home maintenance and improvements, furniture, large domestic appliances, glazing products and installations, food and drink, clothing, car repairs and services, professional services and personal computers.

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