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This week residents in the North East of Scotland have been visited by doorstep scammers who say they are carrying out tree and garden maintenance work on behalf of the local council.

In some cases, they have told residents who don't want any work carried out that they need to have their gardens tidied up by their company, or else they will be evicted.

There have also been cases of scammers who say their company has a contract with the local council to carry out property surveys and 'roof coating and restoration' services. They mention non-existent funding that the council will apparently provide for any work carried out.

How to Avoid

If someone knocks at your door and says they are working for or with the local council, ask them to wait and close the door while you phone the council to verify their identity. Genuine callers will be happy to wait while you do this.

Most councils will send letters to residents if they are going to be working in their area. They will only attend properties to carry out checks by pre-arranged appointment.

Rather than dealing with cold callers, find trusted traders to carry out work on your property:
TrustMark is the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme - businesses registered with them have been vetted to meet required standards and have made a commitment to good customer service:
www.trustmark.org.uk/find-a-tradesman
 
Businesses that are part of the CTSI's Approved Code scheme have been vetted and have a commitment to consumer protection and raising standards:
www.tradingstandards.uk/consumer-help/find-an-approved-code-business
 
Find members of trade associations such as the Federation of Master Builders via the Trade Association Forum:
www.taforum.org/membership/member-directory
 
Competent person schemes are a way for tradespeople to prove their ability to carry out certain work to required standards, instead of you applying for building regulations approval. Schemes have insurance-backed warranties and complaints procedures if there's a problem with the work:
www.competentperson.co.uk
 
All of the businesses listed on the Buy With Confidence website have been fully checked and vetted by a local authority Trading Standards service:
www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
 
Find traders who have been vetted through a national or local authority approved trader scheme at approvedtrader.scot
Report any suspicious behaviour to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency. 
Report scams to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or via scamwatch.scot.

Find out More
Police Scotland: www.scotland.police.uk/doorstep-crime-and-bogus-callers
Trading Standards Scotland: www.tsscot.co.uk/priority-areas/doorstep-scammers

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