Warning about cold callers in Lochaber
Police in Fort William have been made aware of recent instances of individuals cold calling at addresses offering to carry out maintenance work within the Lochaber area. These incidents are currently being investigated by police.
Sergeant Gavin Law of Fort William Problem Solving Policing Team, said: “Bogus callers remain a persistent problem in our communities and can result in people being scammed out of a significant amount of money and left with a poor standard of work and on occasions left in dangerous condition.
“We continue to work closely with our partners at Highland Council Trading Standards in an effort to protect members of the public from falling victim to doorstep crime.
“Cold callers can come across as extremely convincing and will make every effort to pressure homeowners into parting with their money for a product or service they do not require.
We recommend never paying for goods or services to strangers who turn up uninvited at your door.
“If you are aware of any suspicious activity taking place at the home of a neighbour, friend or family member, particularly the vulnerable, then please contact police immediately.
“Genuine tradespeople will be more than happy to be spoken to by police as they have nothing to hide and are keen to protect their trade.
“We must send a strong message to criminals that doorstep crime activities will not be tolerated, and assure residents that all incidents reported are taken seriously and acted upon.”
Mark McGinty, Trading Standards Team Leader, added: “Cancellation rights exist to allow the householder to change their mind when an uninvited caller persuades them to contract at their home.
“Also, not providing details such as a name and address means if something goes wrong the householder has no one to go back to, but more importantly, no one to enforce their consumer rights against and pursue a claim for redress.
“Bogus workmen, that is, illegal trade, often have no regard to cancellation rights or any other consumer rights, they will often hide their identity because they simply do not wish engage after they have taken the householders money, often for very substandard works.”
Members of the public can report any concerns they may have about doorstep crime to Trading Standards by contacting Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or online at https://www.consumeradvice.scot/ (external link). You will be given immediate advice and your details will be passed to Trading Standards.
