Rogue traders are trying to ‘cash in’ on the devastation left behind by Storm Éowyn with vulnerable residents being targeted across Scotland.
Trading Standards chiefs have put neighbourhoods on high alert over bogus firms who are preying on homes hit hardest by Friday’s red weather blast.
Winds of up to 100mph battered the country leaving thousands without power and severe damage to their properties. Roofs were torn off homes and tiles dislodged as strong winds hit the country with garden fences and sheds being destroyed.
With many looking to get quick fixes – officials have warned the situation has put Scots at “heightened risk” of falling victim to scammers.
Police across Scotland have confirmed they have already received reports of traders “trying to take advantage” just days after the storm wreaked havoc.
In Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, officers have told how residents have been targeted by traders who are calling in “door-to-door” offering to remove fallen trees and clean up debris from the storm.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “We have received reports that people are trying to take advantage of the destruction caused by the storm last week. We are aware that people are going door to door offering services to remove fallen trees and clean up debris from the storm. They are handing out leaflets that have false and misleading information on them.”
Meanwhile, the force in Dumfries and Galloway say rogue traders have swept through the region carrying out botched jobs. There are claims that firms are also demanding more money than they originally quoted.
A statement posted on the division’s social media page, stated: “With Storm Eowyn now passed, we are aware that it left behind significant damage to properties. You may have been busy trying to get someone to come and repair or make safe the damage caused to your property.
“We are aware of rogue traders who have been operating throughout the region offering to carry out work, then carrying it out to a very poor standard and demanding more money than originally quoted. Rogue traders will knock on your door or drop a leaflet through the door. It can be tempting to use these people as you are concerned that further damage may be caused to your property if the repair is not done immediately.”
Trading Standards Scotland has also given people advice on how to dodge rogue traders amid the Storm Éowyn clean up.
Councillor Maureen Chalmers, chair of the board at Trading Standards Scotland, said: “We are aware that in the wake of Storm Eowyn that consumers may be at heightened risk of falling victim to rogue traders offering to carry out remedial work on their homes.
“We would offer the following advice to anyone who is cold called by a trader at this time – Always research any company before you engage them to do work on your property.
“It is a good idea to get at least 3 quotes for any work and we would recommend that you use the SCOTSS|Approved Trader Directory website to find traders that have been vetted by your local trading standards service. Legitimate traders will be happy to give you some time to make a decision before contracting with them.
“You should never feel pressured into agreeing that someone carries out work on your home, if you feel threatened then you should contact Police Scotland on 101. If you have had work done and you are not happy either with the sales process or the quality of the work then you should contact advice.scot.”
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