Rogue Traders

Rogue Traders is a presenter-led consumer affairs television series, filled with hard hitting facts designed to uncover some of the worst cowboy builders in the UK.

Fronted by investigative journalist Matt Allwright, the show uses hidden cameras to capture the worst excesses of door-to-door 'bodge-it & scarper' tradesmen, and uses the collected footage in an attempt to bring criminals to justice.

Beginning in 2001, the programme has cast its inquisitive spotlight on a range of industries – including the dubious practices of double-glazing companies, second-hand car dealers, gas fitters, mechanics, roofers, plumbers and domestic rubbish collectors.

In earlier episodes Matt and the team customarily employ older actors to pay gullible homeowners who seem to be easily exploited.

However, in more recent series, Matt has raised the stakes one step further and has begun to disguise himself.

Adopting a range of disguises, including a 22-year-old rocker called Joe, a middle-aged eco-warrior named Bob and the elderly Stan, Matt personally confronts the builders in the hope of forcing them to mend their ways.

Presenters
Matt Allwright and Dan Penteado

Good for?
Advice on what to watch out for and avoid when hiring tradespeople to carry out work around the home.

Where?
BBC One and BBC Two

When?
Weekday evenings