Fife Council has teamed up with Citizens Advice to launch a campaign highlighting knowledge to spot scams and expose the tactics of fraudsters.

With residents, particularly the vulnerable, continuing to fall victim to cold calling rogue traders and cowboy builders, the council is encouraging more traders to join it's Trusted Trader Scheme.

As part of Scams Awareness Month, the initiative helps customers choose a reliable trader by publishing an online directory of local, Trading Standards vetted businesses that have allowed previous customers to comment and rate their work. The scheme is part of efforts to marginalise bogus workmen.

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Cllr Ross Vettraino said: "Small to medium businesses in Fife are being urged to join Trusted Trader, our local membership scheme created to increase consumer confidence, promote good practice within local business, and help protect citizens from doorstep crime."

Dawn Adamson, Trading Standards Service Manager, said: "We are consistently cracking down on rogue traders who may offer residents a discount rate on major projects, like building work or laying a drive, but then do a shoddy job and charge them over the odds.

"You are under no obligation to allow anyone to enter your home, and can refuse access. You should never allow anyone access to your home unless you are able to verify their authenticity and confirm that they have a valid reason for being there. If you are concerned that a doorstop caller may not be a legitimate caller, you can report this to Police Scotland by telephoning 101."

(LM/MH)