Warning over driveway rogue traders

MORAY householders have been warned to be on the alert for rogue traders offering to fix up driveways.

Moray Council’s trading standards are warning people of doorstep offers to resurface driveways.

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

A trading standards officer said: "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 halfway through the job to buy materials.

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

Another tactic is to deliver professional-looking glossy leaflets which include 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.

Seemingly plausible landline or 0800 numbers are provided so that the consumer believes that they are dealing with a reputable local trader. In reality, the numbers transfer direct to a mobile number.

Doorstep sellers can be reported to trading standards on 0300 1234561 or Police Scotland on 101.

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

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