Trading Standards issue warning

29 July 2010, 18:17 | Updated: 29 July 2010, 18:29

Kent Trading Standards issued three warnings on Thursday night. They all involve callers and the message is have the confidence to say No.

Here are the warnings in full

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Kent Trading Standards have received reports of a man cold calling in the Tunbridge Wells and Headcorn areas claiming to be on probation and selling poor quality household goods such as dusters.

The trader is described as white, male, 18 - 24, approx 5ft 8-10”, slim build, blonde hair, blue eyes, local accent and carrying a black sports style holdall & wearing a T-shirt and jeans.

The trader showed an ID badge but too quickly for the consumers to see the details.

Kent Trading Standards advise consumers to be wary when dealing with traders at their door. If you are approached by anyone offering to sell you goods, turn them away. Have the confidence to say NO.

If you are not expecting a visitor use the door chain, door viewer or window to check who it is. Do not allow anyone into your home unless you have already made an appointment to see them and they have identification to confirm who they are.

If you have a caller at your door who you are concerned about please notify Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or the police.

DAMPPROOFING

A consumer in the Deal area was recently called on by a trader who told her he needed to gain access via a ladder on her property to the next door property which she was told was having damp proofing installed.

The trader came back a short time later to say that she would now have to pay for hire equipment for this to be done and that she would have to go to the bank that afternoon to do a bank transfer.

Another man then came to her door and said he was renting the property next door but the consumer knew this was not true.

Fortunately the consumer did not part with any money and reported the incident to Consumer Direct.

Please beware that this scam is in operation and could be in your area.

Trading Standards would urge homeowners not to contract with doorstep sellers and if in any doubt check all the details they are given.

Call Consumer Direct for further advice on 08454 04 05 06

MOBILITY

Kent Trading Standards have been made aware of a trader who cold calls, either by telephone or at householders’ front doors, to sell mobility aids. They are targeting elderly people who live on their own. Their sales pitch includes telephoning householders to check they are on their own before telling the householder what time they will be visiting them in their home.

Remember you do not have to open your front door to strangers and never let strangers into your home, especially if you are at home alone.

When making any large purchases Kent Trading Standards recommends you always get more than one quote in writing and that you check the identity of businesses you would like to buy from. Never be forced into making a decision to buy over the telephone or on your doorstep.

If you would like pre-shopping advice, or if you have a caller at your door who you are concerned about please notify Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. 

Please do take the time to report any incidents, as this prevents other from the same experience.

Kent Trading Standards operate an approved trader scheme called Buy With Confidence. To find an approved trader please call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or look online at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk