Trading Standards Warning - Storm Damage Rogue Traders

26th October 2023

Rogue traders may look to take advantage of homeowners whose properties have been damaged in recent stormy weather across Scotland.

One of the most frequently reported scams is when uninvited traders say that you need urgent repairs done to your roof or house exterior.

They may say that they're offering a one-day only discount or special deal in an attempt to pressure you into agreeing to have work done on the spot.

In one case, a cold caller knocked on a couple's door and told them that he had noticed loose tiles on their roof that should be repaired immediately.

He said he could do the work the next day and quoted a price of £900 to repair and replace the tiles, asking for a £300 deposit to purchase materials. He then left, saying that he would return the next day, but did not come back to complete the job. The couple have been unable to contact him to get their deposit back.

How to Avoid
Any unsolicited trader who offers to carry out work on your property must give you their business name and address.

Don't agree to let a cold caller start work straight away - do plenty of research into their company and, if something doesn't look right, don't deal with them

Rather than dealing with cold callers, find traders who have been vetted through a national or local authority approved trader scheme at approvedtrader.scot

Rogue traders often imply that urgent work is required in order to pressure householders into making a decision quickly. Always take time to think before making a decision - don't agree to make any payments for goods or services on the spot.

Sign up for Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alerts to stay up to date with what is going on in your community: www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

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
Find traders in Scotland who have been vetted by Trading Standards: approvedtrader.scot
Police Scotland: www.scotland.police.uk/doorstep-crime-and-bogus-callers
Trading Standards Scotland: www.tsscot.co.uk/priority-areas/doorstep-scammers

General Advice on Avoiding Scams
Advice Direct Scotland: www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre or call 0808 164 6000
Citizens Advice Scotland: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/consumer
Police Scotland: www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds
Financial Conduct Authority: www.fca.org.uk/consumers/protect-yourself-scams
Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alerts: www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk
Which?: www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/scams
Age Scotland: www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/money-matters/scams/