Trading Standards Scotland outlined the main cons scammers use to target victims in their own homes, saying many are linked to serious organised crime gangs.
Experts are warning of the most common doorstep scams used to target Scots(Image: Shared Content Unit)
The biggest doorstep scams in Scotland have been confirmed as experts warn of the common tricks used by criminals to target victims in their own homes.
Trading standards chiefs have compiled a list of the six biggest cons being adopted by crooks often “affiliated to serious organised crime groups” who prey on vulnerable and elderly consumers.
It said it receives the most reports of scammers offering electrical safety checks, roof repairs and roof coatings.
Crooks also target properties offering to carry out gardening and landscaping work, ‘free’ roof and insulation surveys and driveway repairs.
Trading Standards Scotland issued the warning in partnership with Police Scotland as part of its #ShutOutScammers campaign.
Bogus callers and rogue traders are often linked to organised crime(Image: Andrew Neil)
It said: “Doorstep scammers remain a serious problem across the whole of Scotland.
“Many are affiliated to serious organised crime groups and usually overcharge for work that is either unnecessary and/or substandard.
“They tend to target vulnerable and elderly consumers.”
Some scammers offering electrical safety checks may claim to be working for the council and checking voltage levels in the area.
Crooks offering ‘free’ loft inspections may claim the homeowner is eligible for funding to carry out work.
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Some of the more common techniques used by scammers to gain trust is to create a website and glossy leaflets using a temporary address in the local area to make their business seem credible and legitimate to unsuspecting consumers.
They may adopt a business name similar to a legitimate company which trades in the same area.
Trading Standards Scotland has shared five ‘signposts’ to avoid scams.
- Close the door on uninvited callers.
- Take time to think before making a decision.
- Research and obtain at least three quotes from trusted companies before having any work done.
- Verify that the person is genuine and take a note of the company’s details.
- Report any suspicious behaviour to Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Signing up to the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alert system sends out local crime prevention and safety issues.
If you have concerns about a purchase that you have made you can also contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.