Scotland's Top Doorstep Scams: Experts Sound the Alarm

The largest doorstep cons in Scotland have been identified as specialists caution against the frequent ploys employed by fraudsters to prey on people within their residences.

Trading standards The chiefs have put together a list of the six largest scams frequently employed by criminals often linked to serious organised crime groups" who target vulnerable and older consumers.

It was mentioned that they receive the highest number of reports about fraudsters providing electrical safety inspections, roofing repairs, and roof coating services.

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Thieves similarly focus on homes where they offer free services such as gardening, landscaping, roof inspections, insulation assessments, and driveway fixes.

Trading Standards Scotland released the alert in collaboration with Police Scotland as part of its #ShutOutScammers campaign.

It was stated that "Scam operators who operate at doorsteps continue to be a significant issue throughout all of Scotland."

"Many are affiliated to serious organised crime groups and usually overcharge for work that is either unnecessary and/or substandard.

They often aim at vulnerable and older customers.

Certain fraudsters providing electrical safety inspections might assert they are operating on behalf of the local authority and assessing voltage levels in the region.

Crooks offering 'free' loft inspections may claim the homeowner is eligible for funding to carry out work.

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 might opt for a business name akin to a genuine company operating in the same region.

Trading Standards Scotland has shared five 'signposts' to avoid scams.

• Shut the door on unwanted visitors.
• Spend some moments reflecting before you make up your mind.
• Gather at least three quotations from reliable firms before proceeding with any work.
• Confirm the authenticity of the individual and make a record of the organization's information.
• If you notice anything unusual, report it to Police Scotland at 101, or call 999 if it’s an urgent situation.

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.