People in Fife are being urged to be careful when hiring a tradesman to carry out home improvement or repair work amid the ongoing easing of lockdown restrictions.
Trading Standards in the Kingdom is concerned about unscrupulous tradesmen taking advantage of any work which has been delayed due to the pandemic.
Members of the public have been advised to avoid being harassed into making quick decisions and to make sure they don't get overcharged for work.
There is also strong advice for business not to be done on the doorstep with traders who unexpectedly knock on the door.
Fife Council says the use of a vetted trader from its Trusted Trader Scheme should be considered and they can be searched for on its website.
The scheme, supported by Police Scotland, has a directory of traders offering various home improvement services who are vetted and comply with the Trusted Trader Code of Practice.
This includes a requirement to trade fairly and be committed to providing a quality service for customers.
The scheme also relies on fully verified customer experience and feedback.
Any business interested in joining the scheme can find details on the Trusted Trader Scheme online.
Dawn Adamson, Service Manager for Fife Council Trading Standards, has advice for customers:
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