Guard against rogue traders

Nov 13 2008 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

FAMILIES across Hamilton have been warned to be on their guard against a company who are using high pressure sales tactics.

South Lanarkshire Council’s Trading Standards team have recently received a number of complaints regarding cold callers currently operating in the town employing high pressure sales techniques and attempting to deny consumers their statutory rights.

A company, offering security alarm systems, is reported to be cold calling elderly and vulnerable members of the community and attempting through scare stories to frighten them into buying an alarm.

Consumers have advised that the salesmen have stated or inferred that they are working for, or in partnership with, the council.

Peter Sherry, Consumer and Trading Standards Manager at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “We have been told that the salesmen frequently offer to install an alarm for free if the consumer signs a maintenance contract – however this maintenance contract could end up costing thousands of pounds over a period of years. Legally though consumers are entitled to a seven day ‘cooling off’ period in which they can cancel the contract.

“Some companies are refusing to allow consumers these rights and, indeed, some salesmen omit these rights by scoring through any reference to cancellation rights on the contract and return within days to install the goods.”

If you are aware of such salesmen operating in your area orrequire further advice on yourconsumer rights, call 01698 476221.