Warning of rogue traders following Storm Eowyn

Stirling Council is urging residents and businesses to be wary of rogue traders looking to take advantage of the damage to property caused by Storm Eowyn.

Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 30 January 2025 14:54

The extremely high winds from the storm caused widespread impacts across the Stirling Council area last Friday with the Met Office issuing a rare red warning, with the challenging conditions continuing into the weekend.

Infrastructure and buildings were damaged, almost 100 roads had to be closed due to downed trees and dangerous debris, while multiple power outages affected thousands of residents.

Convener of Stirling Council’s Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, Cllr Jen Preston said: “The unfortunate reality is that rogue traders will attempt to take advantage of residents and business owners following storm damage to properties.

“Storm Eowyn has been one of the strongest storms we have seen in a generation, causing significant damage across the Stirling area.

“Many of our residents and business owners will be in a hurry to make repairs to their properties and rogue traders are likely to use this as an opportunity to target people in our communities, particularly the vulnerable and elderly.

“Don’t be taken in by these scammers by following the advice from our Trading Standards Team.”

Advice from Stirling Council Trading Standards:

• Close the door on uninvited callers. Don’t feel obliged to answer the door to a cold caller – it is your home and you should not let anyone in unless you feel comfortable.

• Take time to think before making a decision. Rogue traders may try to pressure you by saying that they have special deals which are only available today. Don’t let an uninvited trader start work straight away.

• Research. Get at least 3 quotes from trusted companies before having any work done in or around your property. Rogue traders go to great lengths to appear legitimate – check at least 3 review sites to make sure you are getting genuine feedback. Find traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards at www.approvedtrader.scot

• Verify that the person is genuine and take a note of the company’s details. ID cards can be faked – close the door and, rather than phoning the number on the trader’s ID card, look up the company’s number on their official website or in an official phone directory to check their identity. Legitimate traders will be happy to wait while you perform these checks.

• Report any suspicious behaviour to Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Sign up to the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alert system to receive timely alerts about local crime prevention and safety issues from partners such as Police Scotland.

If you have concerns about a purchase that you have made, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000. If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about a cold caller in your local area, phone Police Scotland on 101. More advice on dealing with these types of scams is available from Police Scotland: www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/doorstep-crime-and-bogus-callers

The latest information on services disrupted due to Storm Eowyn can be found on our webpage: www.stirling.gov.uk/service-updates/storm-eowyn-closures-and-disruptions

Cllr Preston added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, partners and communities for their incredible efforts in keeping vital services going and looking after the most vulnerable in our communities during one of the worst storms of recent times. We will continue to keep residents and communities updated on any disruption to services as we continue the recovery from this extreme weather event.”

For more info and advice on doorstep scammers, visit: https://www.tsscot.co.uk/priority-areas/doorstep-scammers/

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Warning of rogue traders following Storm Eowyn

Stirling Council is urging residents and businesses to be wary of rogue traders looking to take advantage of the damage to property caused by Storm Eowyn.

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