Bid to stop scammers
RESIDENTS have been urged to be on their guard amid a surge in doorstep fraud.
The plea has been issued by a consumer watchdog after a number of local people fell victim to scams.
Figures from Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) show that, between October 2023 and March this year, almost £19,000 was lost to fraudsters by six households across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.
In each case, rogue traders had cold called the occupiers and offered to carry out work related to roofing, gardening or driveways.
In one example, an 88-year-old victim was offered work on his roof, including cleaning tiles and adding a protective coating, with the con artists quoting a price of £7,500 and the man paying a £2,500 deposit by cheque.
When he told family members about the work, they agreed that the price was too high and encouraged him to cancel and get his deposit back but, when he contacted the traders, they made a series of excuses and eventually stopped answering his calls.
Experts at TSS have stressed the importance of conducting thorough research into companies before agreeing to any work.
Householders should check at least three different review sites and obtain more than one quote for any work being done.
They are also advised against dealing with cold callers and are being encouraged to seek reputable local traders, with vetted options available on the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS) approved trader portal at www. approvedtrader.scot.
In addition, local people are being urged to check in with older relatives to ensure they are aware of the risk of being scammed.
As part of the ‘Shut out Scammers’ campaign being run by TSS in partnership with police chiefs, a scam awareness van has been touring the area.
This gives police and trading standards officers the chance to provide advice on avoiding doorstep scams, as well as handing out resources such as ‘no cold calling’ stickers and information leaflets.
Maureen Chalmers, chair of the TSS governance board, said: “Scammers are constantly adapting their tactics to take advantage of people, especially when many households are struggling to make ends meet with the cost-ofliving crisis, so it is more important than ever to remain vigilant and be on your guard.
“With our campaign and van, we aim to equip people with the tools and confidence to spot scams effectively.
“We urge consumers not to deal with cold callers and to seek local traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards and who have made a commitment to treat customers fairly via approved trader schemes.
“Do plenty of research into companies before agreeing to any work, remembering that online adverts can be misleading and reviews can be faked.”
Anyone who is caught out by a scam or suspicious activity is asked to report it to Advice Direct Scotland online at www.consumeradvice.scot or by calling 0808 164 6000.
Victims of fraud should report it to the police via 101.