Doorstep Scams Driveways - Trading Standards Report

14th March 2024

The Scam - Residents in the Central Belt have recently reported cold callers who say they are carrying out roadworks nearby. They ask if the homeowner would like their driveway or part of roads to their property resurfaced.

One man who was visited declined the offer, but then noticed that two men in high-vis jackets had started to do work at the end of his road and had dumped several tonnes of chips.

He told them that they did not have permission to carry out the work, but they tried to charge him £7,000 for the work they had done so far.

They left the property after the man contacted the police.

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.

If a trader starts work on your property without being authorised and then demands payment, report them to Police Scotland.

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 a special deal is available and time-sensitive 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