Trusted Trader Week 2024

Trusted Trader Week is a campaign taking place across Scotland from September 1st to September 7th.

Its purpose is to increase awareness about cyber and doorstep crimes. The campaign is named "Beware of Bogus Businesses" and aims to educate residents on how to protect themselves and their families from scams, pressure selling, and doorstep crime.

The focus of the week will be on doorstep traders, telephone scams, fake online claims and reviews, and spam emails.

By keeping a few key points in mind, residents can protect themselves from scammers:

• Say 'no' to unsolicited phone calls, emails, and doorstep traders.
• Ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Use official schemes such as Trusted Trader and Approved Trader.
• Always try to get three quotes for any work needed.
• Conduct your own research and spend 5 minutes Googling a business.
• Remember - if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Approved Trader

To find a vetted trader for home improvement work or a local reputable business, then check for any Trading Standards vetted businesses in your area by visiting Approved Trader. This lists members from all the official Trusted Trader schemes  and other Council-backed schemes across Scotland, on one searchable website: approvedtrader.scot