Stirling Council has received reports of rogue traders cold calling at several households across the local area, claiming to have connections to the council and offering exterior works at a reduced rate due to left over materials from a larger job.
This is a scam. If a cold caller tells any resident they are working for the Council, the advice from Stirling Council Trading Standards is never to take their word for it – close the door and call Stirling Council on 01786 404040.
Residents are advised to stop and think carefully about doorstep callers who claim urgent work is required on their properties, particularly when pressure is applied to agree to work immediately.
Convener of the Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, Cllr Jen Preston, said: “Rogue traders are a community scourge and we would ask all residents to think long and hard when approached by cold callers on their doorstep, particularly when pressure is applied to start work on the very same day.
“Work carried out by doorstep callers is often of poor quality, not completed, requires corrective work and can be subject to unnecessary additional work and inflated costs.
“Prices offered may appear attractive, but it’s rarely provided in writing and once work is complete, the cost often increases. Residents are under absolutely no obligation to engage with individuals or businesses who turn up on their doorstep uninvited, or agree to any work or purchase goods that may be offered.”
If a doorstep caller tells residents that urgent works are required, the advice from Stirling Council Trading Standards is DON’T take their word for it and feel pressured into agreeing to work straight away.
Further Advice from Stirling Council Trading Standards includes:
Please remember that you are under NO obligation to engage with individuals or businesses that have called at your home uninvited or agree to any work or purchase goods that they may offer.
If a doorstep caller tells you that urgent works are required, DON’T take their word for it and feel pressured into agreeing to work straight away. STOP and THINK, discuss the work with a family member and obtain other opinions. A legitimate trader will have no issue with this, a rogue trader may suggest this is a one day only deal and that the price will increase if you do not agree today. This would be considered an aggressive sales practice and should be your cue to close the door and seek other quotations and opinions.
If you are considering having works undertaken, please check out the Approved Trader portal https://approvedtrader.scot/
You can also decorate your door with a ‘No Cold Calling’ sticker – please email tradingstandards@stirling.gov.uk to request one.
It is your doorstep and you are in control, if you have any concerns about doorstep callers contact Police Scotland on 101 (999 if an emergency) or Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.