Locals lose over £19k to rogue traders

RESIDENTS in Inverclyde are among those to have lost more than £19,000 to rogue traders in just six months, new figures from consumer watchdogs reveal.

Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) has urged vigilance amid a surge in doorstep scams, missold services, and botched household repairs.

The organisation has launched a nationwide ‘Shut out Scammers’ campaign with Police Scotland, designed to raise awareness about the risks of accepting work offered by cold callers.

Figures from TSS show that between October last year and March this year, a total of £19,330 was lost by six households across Inverclyde and Renfrewshire. The average amount lost was £3,222.

In each case, rogue traders had cold called the occupiers and offered to carry out work related to roofing, gardening or driveways.

TSS stressed the importance of conducting thorough research into companies before agreeing to any work.

Consumers are advised against dealing with cold callers and encouraged to seek reputable local traders.

As part of the national campaign, a scam awareness van has been visiting different parts of Inverclyde.

Police and trading standards officers were on hand to provide advice on avoiding doorstep 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 in Inverclyde are struggling to make ends meet with the cost-ofliving crisis.

“So, it is more important than ever to remain vigilant and be on your guard.”

“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.”