Arran police reinforce island as a No Cold Calling Zone
A month-long campaign has been launched in a bid to shut out scammers on Arran.
Police Scotland and Trading Standards are continuing to reinforce Arran’s designation as a No Cold Calling Zone with an awareness and enforcement campaign.
The campaign, which runs until the end of May, aims to spread awareness of the No Cold Calling Scheme, consumer protection and rights, as well as tips on how to identify scams, and who to contact if approached by suspicious cold callers.
Arran became Scotland’s first Scottish island to be declared a No Cold Calling Zone in 2019 and signs warning doorstep traders to stay away are on display at Brodick, Lochranza and Ardrossan ferry terminals to deter would-be doorstep traders.
However, Police Sergeant Kevin Blackley confirmed that there were still occasions where scammers try to trick people on Arran.
Sergeant Blackley told the Banner: ‘If any residents are visited by unknown doorstep traders offering their services then I would urge them not to agree to any form of work until you have had sufficient time to think.
‘Consider obtaining two or three quotes for any work you need carried out, don’t be lured in by discounts that the caller says are only available that day and don’t pay for any work or materials in advance of the work starting.’ The No Cold Calling Scheme reinforces good practice and sets out a number of protocols for legitimate visitors to people’s homes.
These include making pre-arranged appointments, providing identity cards, explaining the purpose of their visit and to leave if unwelcome. It also supports the use of ‘no doorstep callers’ stickers which act as a deterrent and warn uninvited traders that they may be committing a criminal offence by knocking on doors and they could be prosecuted.
Sergeant Blackley added: ‘Although this campaign is designed to highlight unsolicited cold callers, it is also important to remember that telephone scams are prevalent at this time with offers of reducing utilities bills and refunds for council tax, so please do not give your bank details to anyone who calls with the promise of refunding or giving you money and never transfer any money to anyone you do not know at their request.
‘Remember, very few legitimate companies will ask you for your bank details.
‘If anyone would like door stickers or more information relating to doorstep trading then these can be obtained from Lamlash Police Station.’
If you are approached on your doorstep by someone suspicious you can call Police Scotland on 101 or Trading Standards on 01294 310101. In the event of an emergency dial 999.