Moray residents are being encouraged to show particular awareness of the dangers posed by doorstep traders who may not be everything they claim to be.
The Trading Standards section at Moray Council say that each year brings complaints about doorstep callers posting flyers offering services such as roof repairs, garden clearance or driveway and patio laying.
However, often misleading and intimidating practices are being used by such traders who have been known to extract large sums of cash from particularly vulnerable people. When work is undertaken it is often of a poor quality and at a price that while initially appeared to be low but rises significantly because “extra work” is said to be required.
Peter Adamson from Moray Council Trading Standards said: “Trading standards relies on information from the public to help identify the rogues.
“Every bit of information on problem traders helps us prevent people being ripped off. If you have problems with doorstep traders, or have any other concerns about the way they operate, please contact us.
“We can also supply free “We Do Not Deal with Uninvited Traders” stickers on request.”
Where work is needed on property Trading Standards advice is to always obtain quotes from at least two established local traders.
Trading Standards can be contacted on 0300 1234561.