Published Date: Apr 17th, 2023
Fife Council’s Trading Standards Team is backing a nationwide initiative launched today by Trading Standards Scotland and Police Scotland which aims to combat the rise in doorstep scams linked to the cost of living crisis. The ‘Shut Out Scammers’ campaign, which will run until 14th May, aims to raise awareness of doorstep crime, the mis-selling of energy efficiency measures, and other forms of financial harm to which consumers are susceptible.
In addition to more traditional doorstep scams reported during the summer months, where rogue traders offer to carry out home maintenance, gardening work or services such as gutter cleaning or pressure washing, fraudsters have adapted their methods to take advantage of consumers’ anxieties and uncertainties about the current cost of living.
According to a recent survey run by Trading Standards Scotland, some of the most common cold calls and scams in Scotland now relate to energy-efficiency products. Dishonest companies target those who want to save money on their energy bills, saying that funding or grants are available for their products, but then ask consumers to pay for the products upfront or take out a loan. Customers are told that they will receive their money back over time but very rarely do.
Dawn Adamson, Fife Council Trading Standards’ Manager, said: “This campaign aims to empower consumers, rather than make them fearful, and to encourage them to report scams.
“I’d urge the Fife public to keep an eye on our Twitter feed and Facebook page in the coming weeks as we’ll be sharing lots of key information about how to deal with scammers
“Consumers should report doorstep scams to Advice Direct Scotland, who provides an advice and advocacy service. Their helpline number is 0808 164 6000 and their website address is www.consumeradvice.scot. Anyone who has been the victim of fraud should report it to Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Chair of Trading Standards Scotland, added: “It is more important than ever to protect consumers from scammers and rogue traders who are adapting their methods to changing circumstances.
“We urge consumers not to deal with cold callers and to seek local traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards and who have made a commitment to treat customers fairly via approved trader schemes. Do plenty of research into companies before agreeing to any work being undertaken, remembering that online adverts can be misleading and that reviews can be faked. It is advisable to check at least three different review sites and to get more than one quote for a piece of work.
"We are also asking people to look out for family members, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable.”