We've heard many a story about cowboy builders, dodgy workmen and rip-off merchants. Sadly, this is all too true for two vulnerable adults who live in Angus who have been targeted over-and-over again by rogue traders.
Following a Banking Protocol being activated - a partnership between financial institutions, the police, Trading Standards, and victim support organisations who work together to identify when victims (particularly the elderly and vulnerable) are being targeted for a range of fraud offences - Angus Trading Standards were able to step in, alongside Police Scotland to protect the vulnerable individuals.
Over the years these individuals, who are known for their vulnerability, were targeted by multiple rogue traders for everything from garden work to a replacement roof and windows.
Over the past eight years Trading Standards have supported the residents, putting in place measures to prevent them from being targeted in the future. These measures include call blockers and a bogus alarm that allows the community alarm team to advise those on the doorstep that they will be listening to the conversation and will call Police Scotland to attend if necessary. One of them said: “I used to get a lot of marketing calls from people that I didn’t know, and constantly received calls offering special offers. It was getting beyond a joke, but now it has stopped all calls, and it has really helped”.
It's important to remember to protect yourself, as well as friends and family from being targeted from rogue traders and doorstep crime. If you or anyone you know has been targeted recently, please get in touch with a member of Trading Standards who will be able to talk you through the next steps and help get you the support and advice you need.
Protect yourself from unscrupulous traders. If you need work done on your home or garden, make sure you choose a reputable trader.
Angus Trusted Traded is backed by Angus Council and supported by Police Scotland. With all members vetted by Trading Standards, you can confidently search for reputable, local businesses, covering trades and services from plumbers, electricians and roofers to accountants and taxis.
Find a Trusted Trader online or call customer support on 0333 444 7016 between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Please remember:
- Even if you are using a Trusted Trader, it’s still sensible to get more than one quote – that way you’ll have a better idea of the going rate for the job you want doing.
- When you are contacting a Trusted Trader, check whether there are any call-out or inspection fees you need to pay up-front. Trusted Traders are allowed to charge for their time and expertise, but any such fees should be clear in advance.
- Make sure you are clear about the work that you want the Trusted Trader to do and put it in writing to be certain.
- When the work is completed, please tell us what you think of them. You can leave your reviews for on the Trusted Trader website. This helps us maintain the quality of the Trusted Traders who are part of the scheme and helps other customers find the right person for their job.
- If you’ve used a Trusted Trader, it’s unlikely that things will go wrong, but occasionally they can. If you’re not happy with the work, you can visit the Angus Trusted Trader Complaints Process (link - https://www.trustedtrader.scot/Angus/customer-complaints-process ), where Angus Trusted Trader has a dispute resolution service that will aim to find a satisfactory outcome for any problems.