Rogue traders have cost Ayrshire residents more than £100,000 in just six months according to new figures.
Consumer watchdogs Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) are appealing to residents to remain vigilant after 23 households were affected by cold callers between December 2023 and May 2024.
In total, residents across the county lost £101,910 including one pensioner who lost £31,000 to traders who carried out shoddy roofing work.
Each case saw the rogue traders cold call the occupiers and offer to carry out work related to roofing, gardening, driveways or general maintenance. They charged upfront before either leaving without completing the work or not starting at all.
Alongside Police Scotland, TSS is running a nationwide ‘Shut out Scammers’ campaign in a bid to tackle the doorstep scams, mis-sold services and botched household repairs.
As part of the campaign, a scam awareness van has been visiting different parts of Ayrshire to provide advice on avoiding doorstep scams, along with resources such as ‘no cold calling’ stickers and information leaflets.
Experts said that fraudsters are adapting their tactics to exploit the cost-of-living crisis, including making bogus claims to be working on behalf of the government with fake subsidy offers or with local councils.
Criminals often employ online and social media ads featuring misleading information and reviews.
The warning follows increasing reports of incomplete or unsatisfactory roofing, gardening, or driveway work.
Other examples saw a couple in East Ayrshire conned out of £1,000 by a company claiming that they were carrying out roofing work on behalf of the council.
The rogue traders claimed that the local authority was planning improvements to council houses in the area and were offering discounts to homeowners.
Another woman in North Ayrshire agreed to have her driveway resurfaced for £1,000 by traders who claimed to be working on behalf of the local council.
In both cases, the homeowners contacted the council after problems arose only to find neither council recognised the company involved.
TSS stressed the importance of conducting thorough research into companies before agreeing to any work.
If someone claims to be working for or with a local council, householders should ask them to wait outside and close the door while they call the council to verify their identity.
Customers should also check at least three different review sites and obtain more than one quote for a piece of work.
Consumers are advised against dealing with cold callers and encouraged to seek reputable local traders, with vetted options available on the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS) approved trader portal at www.approvedtrader.scot.
Anyone caught out by a scam or suspicious activity should report it to Advice Direct Scotland at www.consumeradvice.scot or contact 0808 164 6000 for support.
Victims of fraud should report it to Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
TSS is also urging people to check in with their older relatives to ensure that that they are aware of these scams.
Councillor Maureen Chalmers, chair of Trading Standards Scotland’s governance board, said: “Scammers are constantly adapting their tactics to take advantage of people, especially when many households across Ayrshire are struggling to make ends meet with the cost-of-living crisis.
“So, it is more important than ever to remain vigilant and be on your guard. With our campaign and van, we aim to equip people with the tools and confidence to spot scams effectively.
“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 and to report any suspicious behaviour to stop the scammers in their tracks.”
Read next:
Don’t miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
