A charity is offering dedicated consumer advice about how to spot services which are not legitimate
Scots have been warned about bogus callers who are offering bogus services such as landscape gardening in a bid to gain access to properties.
A distraction burglary was recently reported at a home in Inverness where the occupant responded to a bogus leaflet offering landscape works. The resident invited the workmen to attend after receiving the leaflet, and a robbery subsequently took place.
This is a popular time of the year for such crimes, with many householders keen to prepare their gardens for the autumn and considering jobs that need done before the weather turns.
However, everyone in Scotland can receive free and confidential advice if they think they may have been approached by a bogus caller, or want tips on what to look out for to ensure a service is legitimate.
consumeradvice.scot, a charity and the online identity of Advice Direct Scotland, is the country’s new dedicated consumer advice service which provides advice, assistance and information to people on a range of consumer issues and concerns. The service can pass information to Trading Standards teams for investigation.
Lorna Yelland, team leader with consumeradvice.scot, said: “Bogus callers and rogue traders are a problem all-year round, but offers of landscape gardening are particularly common at this time of year.
“It’s despicable that people are preying on householders like this, particularly vulnerable residents.
“The best advice is to not respond to unsolicited leaflets unless you are absolutely confident the service is legitimate and do not give away any information if a caller arrives at your door.
“Only use tradespeople you completely trust. Approved tradespeople leaflets are often distributed by local councils.
“Remember, most reputable traders don’t need to knock on doors to get work. Our advisers can offer tips on what to look out for to check that a service is legitimate.”
Anyone who has been the victim of a crime should report it to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.
