Moray Council's Trading Standards service is warning residents to remain vigilant against doorstep scams.

Itinerant tradesmen often offer to do work on gardens, roofs and driveways, or selling household goods and machinery door to door.

However, the consumer ends up paying thousands of pounds for poor quality and unnecessary work. Trading standards added vulnerable customers are often targeted, with traders telling them there is a problem with their property such as a leaking roof. Small quotes eventually increase in cost, as fraudsters mislead householders that their property requires expensive repairs.

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The service said: "If you believe you need work done, get at least three quotes from reputable local traders and get personal recommendations from people you can trust.What may seem like a bargain at the time may turn into a very costly mistake, as the trader has long since vanished by the time any problems with the work come to light.

"If you or someone you care about has been the victim of any scam, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 for further advice and assistance."

(LM/MH)