Rogue traders operating in Moray

Rogue traders offering driveway work are operating in Moray.

Moray Council’s Trading Standards are warning people of doorsteps offers to resurface driveways.

The council has received a number of calls describing high pressure sales tactics being used against vulnerable consumers.

“A common tactic is to promise the consumer that no payment is necessary until the job is complete but then demand large sums of money half way through the job to buy materials, “ said a Trading Standards officer.

“Consumers feel pressurised into paying this as they don’t want their driveway left dug up and left unusable.”

Another tactic is to deliver professional looking glossy leaflets which include several contact numbers, a website and office address. Very often the address is false or relates to an empty office block and there is no physical presence there.

Realistic looking landline or 0800 numbers are provided so that the consumer believes that they are dealing with a reputable local trader, however in reality the numbers transfer direct to a mobile number.

Doorstep sellers can be reported to Trading Standards on 0300 1234561 or to Police Scotland on 101.

The officer added: “The best defence however, is simply to say no and close the door.”

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.