Raw Deal: Beware of summer scammers heading round Scotland’s doorsteps

Doorstep scammers have been operating across Scotland in recent weeks, consumer watchdogs warn.

The crooks have been pretending to sell garden furniture, offering pressure washing of roofs and driveways, and promising to carry out weeding work.

Householders have also been conned by criminals claiming they had excess products left over from a previous job and offer to install driveways.

The scammers often target elderly and vulnerable residents and demand money up front.

Scotland’s national consumer advice service, consumeradvice.scot, warns rogue traders are exploiting people looking to get last-minute home and garden repairs before the good weather finishes.

Marjorie Gibson, head of operations with consumeradvice.scot, said: “Bogus traders operate across Scotland all year round, but it is a particular problem at this time of year. They know people may be tempted by cheap jobs around the home and garden before the summer ends.”

Other rip-offs currently doing the rounds include fraudsters offering to clean moss from roofs, carrying out garden maintenance then hiking the price at the end, and installing sub-standard waterproofing on driveways.

Fiona Richardson, chief officer of Trading Standards Scotland, said: “As lockdown has eased, we have seen a move from doorstep scams related to Covid-19 to more traditional scams.

“They go to great lengths to appear legitimate by advertising through glossy leaflets and professional-looking websites and obtaining liveried vehicles and workwear with a company logo.

“Trading Standards staff across Scotland continue to work to identify and disrupt scams and to protect Scottish consumers.”