Residents in Moray are being urged to stay vigilant against doorstep traders as past experience suggests a sharp increase in complaints around this time of year.

With more than £750,000 paid to rogue traders by vulnerable residents last year, the council's Trading Standards team said historically it witnesses a rise in complaints surrounding dodgy workers, offering services such as roof repairs, driveways, patios or garden clearance.

New services are now also being offered include installing renewable energy systems such as biomass heating and solar panels.

However, common complaints include poor quality of work, a low initial price which goes up significantly because of 'extra work' needed or offering massive savings on utility bills which never materialise.

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Peter Adamson, Moray Council Trading Standards manager, said: "Our advice is never to agree to work from the doorstep. Doorstep sellers are experienced in pressure sales techniques and they can be very persuasive. Your best protection is to say 'No thank you' and close the door.

"If you think that work is needed to your property, get quotes from two or three traders and compare them. Many instances of doorstep crime remain unreported because victims are embarrassed, they don't know who to report it to, or they do not even realise they have been the victim of a crime."

Over the past five years, Moray Council Trading Standards have conducted investigations into doorstep crime resulting in a number being dealt with by the courts. One joint investigation with Police Scotland resulted in a tradesman being ordered by the Court to pay £30,000 back to Moray consumers after carrying out sub-standard and grossly overpriced repairs on their property.

Mr Adamson continued: "Police Scotland and Trading Standards rely on information from the public to help identify these rogues. Every bit of information on problem traders helps us prevent people being ripped off. If you have problems with doorstep traders or have any other concerns about them, please contact us."

(LM/MH)