Running until the end of May, and led by Trading Standards Scotland and Police Scotland, the national campaign has been designed to combat a rise in doorstep scams linked to the cost of living crisis. 

It specifically aims to empower consumers to recognise and deal with issues such as the mis-selling of energy efficiency measures, doorstep crime, and rogue trading.

Authorities report that fraudsters are increasingly adapting their methods to take advantage of consumer anxieties and uncertainties around the cost of living crisis.  

This has led to an increase in complaints by Scottish consumers about cold calls and scams relating to energy efficiency products such as boilers or roof insulation, based on government ‘discounts’ or grants. 

Explained David Booth, Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources: “It’s more important than ever to protect consumers from scammers and rogue traders who are changing how they do things to fit the current circumstances. 

“That’s why we are so keen to back this campaign and shine a light on the most common methods and scams being used.  We want consumers to reject cold callers and instead seek local traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards and who have made a commitment to treat customers fairly via approved trader schemes. 

"We are also asking people to look out for family members, friends, and neighbours who may be vulnerable and to report any suspicious behaviour to Police Scotland.” 

Detective Superintendent Dave Ferry, Depute Chair of Police Scotland Acquisitive Crime Tactical Board, said: “Typically, door-step criminals look to fraudulently represent tradespeople so that they can gain access to your home where they look to steal items of value which can include your personal information that they can then use for financial gain. 

“The Shut out Scammers campaign aims to bring these scams to the public attention so that communities are informed and feel empowered to question cold-callers and turn away anyone whose identity they do not feel is genuine.” 

Consumers in South Lanarkshire can find local companies who have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards on the Buy with Confidence website. The council was the first local authority in Scotland to sign up for the scheme in 2012.

More information on common scams and how to recognise them is available from Advice Direct Scotland. Scams can also be reported to them directly on 0808 164 6000.

Anyone who has been the victim of fraud should report it to Police Scotland on 101.