Residents throughout the region are being reminded to stay vigilant following increased reports of uninvited doorstep callers operating throughout the Borders.
encouraging householders to exercise caution when dealing with traders or individuals who call unexpectedly at their door offering services such as roofing, driveway repairs, garden work, home maintenance, or other household improvements.
Residents are advised not to feel pressured into making an immediate decision and to take time to check the credentials of anyone offering work.
It is also important to look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours, who may be more susceptible to doorstep scams, and to encourage them to be cautious before agreeing to any work or making payments.
Councillor Euan Jardin, Council Leader
“While many traders operate legitimately, residents should be wary of anybody who turns up unannounced offering to carry out work.
“Doorstep callers can use high-pressure sales tactics and may demand payment for unnecessary, poor-quality, or incomplete work.
“We would urge residents never to feel pressured into making a decision on the spot and to exercise due diligence in these circumstances.”
Recommendations
See the Police Scotland website for more information about protecting yourself from bogus phone callers or identity theft, fraud and scams.
Recommendations include:
- Never agree to work being carried out immediately by an unsolicited caller
- Obtain written quotations from several reputable local businesses before committing to any work
- Ask for identification and verify credentials where possible
- Avoid handing over cash or making payment upfront
- Take time to discuss any proposed work with family, friends, or trusted advisers
- Contact Police Scotland if they feel threatened or pressured
For those wishing to report anything suspicious to our trading standards team, contact us on 0300 100 1800 or by emailing placehealth@scotborders.gov.uk .