Police advice on bogus callers
Written by author on September 4, 2015
Police are appealing to people to remain vigilant for bogus callers who may visit isolated properties or vulnerable people to hard-sell goods or services. We are receiving an increasing number of calls about this type of activity in the local area. Bogus callers are likely to call without appointment. They may be smartly dressed but will often adopt pushy and aggressive tactics to secure sales, often at vastly inflated prices.
Please DO NOT –
• Feel pressured into agreeing to buy goods or have work done to your property
• Feel pressured by time-bound discounted pricing offers
• Feel pressured by claims that your property needs urgent repair
• Allow people into your property unless you are satisfied about their identity
ALWAYS –
• Ask a salesman for identification – they are required to produce it
• If you do want work carried out, agree a price that you’re happy with in advance and get it in writing so you can refer to it later
• Obtain a quote from at least one other contractor before agreeing to work being carried out
• Ensure you get a 7-day ‘right to cancel’ cooling off notice for any job over £35 in value – the contractor is required to provide it
• Ensure the cooling off notice provides details of who to contact should you wish to cancel
All of those issues are regulated under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and are enforced by Trading Standards to prohibit unfair and aggressive commercial practices.
Look out for yourself and any vulnerable neighbours in your area. There are plenty of highly skilled and reputable tradesmen throughout Dumfries and Galloway who will undertake work to a high standard for you, so please don’t get caught out and ripped off by those who would take advantage.
Report any concerns to us immediately and where possible let us have the registration number of the vehicle being used by the bogus workmen/salesmen.
