MORAY TRADING STANDARDS are marking the close of Scams Awareness Month with a warning over doorstep traders who may not be all that they seem.
One of the leading areas of complaint received are over itinerant traders who travel throughout Moray offering to work on gardens, roofs and driveways – or selling household goods and machinery door to door.
Often the householder will fee pressurised to agree on work being carried out – and end up paying over thousands of pounds for what is poor quality and unnecessary work.
A Trading Standards spokesman said: “Such traders often target vulnerable consumers, telling them there is a problem such as a leaking roof. Quotes for relatively small amounts can increase tenfold, as fraudsters mislead householders that their property requires expensive repairs.
“Advice from trading standards is never to contract on the doorstep. If you believe you need work done, get at least three quotes from reputable local traders and get personal recommendations from people you can trust.
“What may seem like a bargain at the time may turn into a very costly mistake, as the trader has long since vanished by the time any problems with the work come to light.”
Other advice is for friends and family members to take note of what may be happening – for example someone who is withdrawing large sums of cash from the bank that may be heading in the direction of a scammer.
If you or someone you care about has been the victim of any scam, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 for further advice and assistance.