A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help combat doorstep scams after a rise in complaints about con artists exploiting the huge rise in energy bills.

The Shut out Scammers initiative, launched by the police and Trading Standards officers, aims to raise awareness of doorstep crime, rogue trading scams and other frauds people can fall victim to.

There has been a rise in reports about cold calls and scams relating to energy efficiency products such as boilers and roof insulation.

Last month, a retired teacher in Paisley was visited by a cold caller who said his company was offering free loft inspections.

She was told her loft had potentially toxic mould and damp patches and she would have to fork out £7,000 for new insulation.

Worried it could be dangerous if left untreated, the pensioner agreed to take out a loan.

It was only when her bank flagged the transaction as potentially fraudulent that the scam started to unravel and the police were alerted.

Detective Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “This campaign aims to bring scams to the public attention so communities feel empowered to question cold callers.”