SCOTTISH households are in danger with rogue electricians on the rise:
15% of households across Scotland have fallen victim to a rogue tradesman.
63% of Scottish consumers don't check an electrician's qualifications.
NICEIC, the professional body for electricians, is warning households of a rise in bogus electricians, with consumer complaints about dodgy individuals posing as NICEIC-registered electricians having shot up by 33% in the past 12 months.
A poll of 3,000 households reveals that 15% of households in Scotland have already fallen victim to a rogue tradesman doing work in their home.
And 83% think the recession will make them more vulnerable to rogue tradesmen.
Despite this, households are putting their homes and lives at great risk by failing to check that electricians doing work in their home are properly qualified to do the job.
New research from NICEIC shows that 63% of consumers in Scotland do not bother to check whether an electrician is qualified or registered with a Government-approved scheme.
NICEIC spokesman Tony Cable said: "Poor electrical work can cost lives. It is vital that home-owners check that anyone doing electrical work in their house is properly qualified and registered with Government-approved schemes, such as the NICEIC.
"Registration with a scheme provider demonstrates their competency and ability to do a good, safe job, and will provide a warranty for extra peace of mind."
The NICEIC-backed website www.findanelectrician.info helps households locate a registered electrician in their area.
