Thinking of making improvements to your home? Don’t deal with cold callers- many local authorities run approved trader schemes, listing businesses who have been vetted by Trading Standards & have commited to treat customers fairly ➡️https://ow.ly/PUgB50Z5tN4 #ShutOutScammers

1 in 4 second-hand shoppers bought a counterfeit item last year without realising. Learn how to spot the signs and shop safely on pre-loved platforms 👇 👉 https://bit.ly/SecondHandNotSecondBest #SecondHandNotSecondBest

There’s been a rise in scammers who say they're carrying out electrical safety checks on behalf of the government, council or electricity network If you’re concerned about voltage levels in your property, find a registered electrician in Scotland at https://ow.ly/VrCI50Z4znx #ShutOutScammers

Has a cold caller told you they are working for the local council and have some materials left over so can offer a cheap deal on a new driveway? Ask them to wait and close the door while you phone the council to verify their identity. #ShutOutScammers

This week's #ScamShare bulletin has recent examples of impersonation scams, where cold callers claim to work for or on behalf of the local council or housing association. Read more➡️https://mailchi.mp/7027db835f69/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-28-may#Recent1

If you’re concerned that a neighbour/relative may answer the door to a rogue trader, you can request a free No Cold Calling sticker from their local council #ShutOutScammers

There have been reports of doorstep scammers offering to carry out roof coating and restoration services, saying they have funding from the council They ask for full payment up front, saying the householder will receive a refund once the council funding has been approved #ShutOutScammers

In this week's #ScamShare bulletin: 🗨️Council Impersonation Scams 🗨️Police Impersonation Scams 🗨️Microsoft Scams 🗨️How to Spot Fake Fashion when Shopping Second-hand 🗨️World Cup Scams 🗨️Doorstep Scams: Broadband Read & share➡️ https://mailchi.mp/7027db835f69/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-28-may

Have you seen our #ShutOutScammers advert? ⬇️ Look out for it on STV this month!

Second-hand is smart, safe and sustainable – but shoppers are still being caught out by fakes. We’re supporting the IPO’s ‘Second-hand, not second best’ campaign to help people shop with confidence. 👉 https://bit.ly/SecondHandNotSecondBest #SecondHandNotSecondBest

Doorstep scammers are impersonating telecoms companies and asking to enter people’s homes to check their broadband speed. Always verify the identity of a cold caller before dealing with them. Shut the door and call the company they say they represent. #ShutOutScammers

There's been a rise in scammers offering to carry out 'free' voltage checks They wrongly say the voltage in your property is dangerously high & you need a voltage optimiser Don't deal with cold callers - find approved electricians via the links below #ShutOutScammers ➡️https://ow.ly/hVeF50Z4zgp

Our #ShutOutScammers leaflet includes examples of common doorstep scams and tips on how to avoid them View online or download➡️https://www.tsscot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Shut-Out-Scammers-Leaflet-2024.pdf#ShutOutScammers

Don't let a cold caller pressure you into buying energy efficiency measures Always have an impartial assessment carried out to find out which measures are best for your home Seek trusted advice from Home Energy Scotland➡️ https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/ #ShutOutScammers

Doorstep scammers are telling people they may be eligible to receive a government-backed grant for new windows or doors, then ask them to provide details and pay a deposit Don’t provide details/payments to a cold caller on the spot - do some research before making a decision #ShutOutScammers

Have you been told by a cold caller that you’re eligible for a grant for insulation or other energy saving measures? Don’t take their word for it #ShutOutScammers Contact Home Energy Scotland for free, impartial advice about grants and funding ➡️https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/

Police officers will never cold call and ask you to: ❌provide bank details/PINs ❌transfer funds ❌hand cash/cards to a courier ❌pay a fine over the phone/online If in doubt call 101 to verify the caller's identity #ShutOutScammers https://biteable.com/watch/3449618/c01f1e13a725df1d4882e64fa00460c2

Doorstep scammers may claim to work for the local council/housing association and ask to enter properties to carry out boiler, gas, water or meter checks Council/housing association employees will only carry out checks by pre-arranged appointment and will show ID #ShutOutScammers

Has a cold caller told you they are working for the local council? Never take their word for it - close the door and call the council using a publicly listed number. Legitimate callers will be happy to wait while you do this. #ShutOutScammers

This week the #ShutOutScammers campaign will focus on impersonation scams. Cold callers may say they work for: 🗨️the council 🗨️a housing association 🗨️an energy company 🗨️a telecoms company Always verify a caller's identity before dealing with them ➡️https://ow.ly/KQC250Z3JIy

Have you seen our #ShutOutScammers advert? ⬇️ Look out for it on STV this month!

Sign up for Neighbourhood Watch Scotland free alerts to receive timely local alerts about community safety and crime prevention from Police Scotland, Trading Standards and other partners. Find out more 👇 https://www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk/

Let us know if you see our #ScamAware van this summer - it's travelling across Scotland as part of our #ShutOutScammers campaign! #ConfidentConsumer #StopLoanSharks #ScamAware

This week's #ScamShare bulletin has examples of recent doorstep scams👇 Rather than dealing with cold callers, find traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards through a local approved trader scheme at https://ow.ly/mr1q50Z2yPC https://ow.ly/RGCJ50Z2yPB

There's been a rise in scammers offering to carry out 'free' voltage checks They wrongly say the voltage in your property is dangerously high & you need a voltage optimiser Don't deal with cold callers - find approved electricians via the links here ➡️https://ow.ly/3zEa50Z34zr #ShutOutScammers

Scammers are trying to take advantage of people who are worrying about rising costs and bills If you’re concerned that a neighbour/relative may answer the door to a rogue trader, you can request a free No Cold Calling sticker from their local council #ShutOutScammers

Have you experienced any of these doorstep scams? 🔌'I'm carrying out electrical safety checks' 🏚️'Your roof needs to be repaired' 🌲'We're offering deals on gardening/landscaping work' 🛣️'We have materials left over and can repair your driveway' ➡️https://ow.ly/TEYK50Z2zSR #ShutOutScammers

Social media ads for home improvements or landscaping companies are often designed to gather your data so that scammers can cold call you Research companies independently before giving them any contact details or filling out online questionnaires. #ShutOutScammers

Our #ShutOutScammers leaflet includes examples of common doorstep scams and tips on how to avoid them View online or download➡️https://www.tsscot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Shut-Out-Scammers-Leaflet-2024.pdf#ShutOutScammers

Consumers who have responded to social media ads offering 'amazing deals' on home improvements have been cold called by companies who pressured them into signing expensive contracts for products they didn’t want or need Do plenty of independent research before having any work done #ShutOutScammers

In this week's #ScamShare bulletin: 🗨️#ShutOutScammers campaign 🗨️Voltage Optimiser Scams 🗨️Roofing Scams: 'Extra Work' 🗨️NHS Impersonation Scams 🗨️Avoid Fake Reviews for Traders Online 🗨️Report Issues & Find Trusted Advice Please read & share➡️https://ow.ly/euWh50Z2xeg

The #ScamAware van will be around North Lanarkshire this week as part of the #ShutOutScammers campaign - let us know if you see it!

Looking for a trusted trader? You can find members of trade associations such as the Federation of Master Builders via the Trade Association Forum at https://www.taforum.org/membership/member-directory/ #ShutOutScammers

If you’re not sure how to check reviews for traders, ask someone you trust for advice before agreeing to have any work done. A family member, friend or neighbour can give a second opinion and may be able to be there when you talk to the trader #ShutOutScammers

Have you seen our #ShutOutScammers advert? ⬇️ Look out for it on STV this month!

Searching for traders online? Avoid fake reviews: ✔️Check timing & spacing of reviews ✔️Check the reviewer’s activity history ✔️Be suspicious of reviews with vague, generic language Find traders approved by local council trading standards at https://ow.ly/NBnN50Z1C5Z #ShutOutScammers

There’s been a huge increase in roofing scams across Scotland We asked a roofer who is part of Scotland’s Approved Trader Directory to answer frequently asked questions about roofing to help consumers make informed decisions and avoid scams Read it here: https://ow.ly/ENez50Z1BXO #ShutOutScammers

Rogue traders often pretend to be local to gain your trust They may have glossy leaflets with 5-star reviews– these are often faked 👀Look out for spelling mistakes & similar reviews from the same person for different companies ✔️Check different review sites and if in doubt, say no #ShutOutScammers

If you need work done in your home do plenty of research before choosing a company: ✔️Base your choice on credible reviews - check different sites ✔️Get quotes from trusted companies ✔️Check they are members of an approved trader scheme or trade organisation #ShutOutScammers

Thinking of making improvements to your home? Don’t deal with cold callers- many local authorities run approved trader schemes, listing businesses who have been vetted by Trading Standards & have commited to treat customers fairly ➡️https://ow.ly/mBsu50Z13Lq #ShutOutScammers

This week we’re launching our annual #ShutOutScammers campaign! We want to: 🚪combat a rise in doorstep scams linked to rising costs 🚪help you avoid misleading information and rogue traders Keep an eye on our social media channels for info on common doorstep scams and how to avoid them #ScamShare

HMRC has warned customers to be #ScamAware of messages claiming they are due a tax refund Be suspicious of unexpected messages - you can check if you are due a tax refund via your online HMRC account on https://ow.ly/osfQ50Z07oF or the free and secure HMRC app Read more➡️https://ow.ly/K98l50Z07oE

Sign up for Neighbourhood Watch Scotland free alerts to receive timely local alerts about community safety and crime prevention from Police Scotland, Trading Standards and other partners. Find out more 👇 https://www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk/

There have been more reports of scam messages saying you may be due thousands of pounds in compensation for mis-sold car finance Don't click links in unexpected messages- if you want to make a complaint about car finance find out how to do so at https://ow.ly/CPgT50Z07bh ➡️https://ow.ly/L7FQ50Z07bi

Each of our 22 #ScamShare Spotlights highlights a common scam and includes info on how to recognise and avoid them 👇 The A4 leaflets can be viewed online or printed off and shared with those not online https://www.tsscot.co.uk/scamshare/

More counterfeit Labubu dolls have been seized across Scotland - they're made from substandard materials and contain loose parts, which could pose a choking hazard, as well as toxic chemicals Read more about how to recognise & report fakes➡️https://ow.ly/BAMW50Z04BG

This week's #ScamShare bulletin has info on common DVLA scams: 📱scam messages saying a latest payment for your vehicle tax has failed 💻copycat websites that charge a premium for driving licence renewal Read more ➡️https://mailchi.mp/3fdd8f6c7672/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-14-may#Recent2

Football fans still hoping to get World Cup tickets are being warned to be wary of scams, after new research shows that football ticket scams have increased by 36% during the current Premier League season Read more ➡️https://mailchi.mp/3fdd8f6c7672/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-14-may#Recent1

Today sees the launch of a new research report, “It’s always there, like a shadow behind you”: Women’s Experiences of Coerced Debt and Recovery in Scotland It provides a comprehensive picture of the experiences of women affected by coerced debt in Scotland. Read more➡️https://ow.ly/w4PU50YYOWu

In this week's #ScamShare bulletin: 🗨️Football Ticket Scams 🗨️DVLA Scams: Vehicle Tax & Licence Renewal 🗨️Tax Refund Scams 🗨️Car Finance Compensation Scams 🗨️New Report: Women’s Experiences of Coerced Debt and Recovery in Scotland 🗨️Counterfeit Labubu Dolls Please read & share➡️https://ow.ly/xVer50YYOMb