West Dunbartonshire
Council’s Trading Standards team are
advising local residents to be on their guard following a number of complaints
regarding “cold callers” currently operating in the area. The doorstep sellers,
who sell home security systems are reported to be employing high pressure sales
techniques and attempting to deny consumers their statutory rights.
Elderly
and vulnerable members of the community appear to be being targeted and
attempts have reportedly been made to frighten them into buying through scare
stories. Consumers have advised that the salesmen have stated or implied that
they are working for, or in partnership with, the council and that the systems,
which cost several thousand pounds, are free. Other reported false claims
related to exaggerating the level of crime in the area.
Councillor
Craig McLaughlin says: “We have been
told that the salesmen frequently offer to install their product for free if
the consumer signs a maintenance contract – however this maintenance contract
can end up costing thousands of pounds over a period of years. The tactics
which are reported to be used are both illegal and immoral.”
Trading
Standards Section Head David McCulloch says,
“Legally, consumers who sign up to a contract like this in their homes are
entitled to a seven day ‘cooling off’ period in which they can change their
minds and cancel without cost or penalty. These sellers are allegedly refusing
to allow these rights to consumers who try to cancel. Indeed some salesman have been reported to
try to deny consumers their legal entitlement by scoring through any reference
to cancellation rights on the contract.”
All
details have been passed to Scambusters Scotland the new, national trading
standards body which has been tasked by the Government to deal with
cross-border rogue trading practices.
The
Police are also concerned. Inspector Norrie Conway says, "If anyone is
considering installing a security system they should rely on a word of mouth
recommendation from a trusted friend or family member or contact a reputable
company via Yellow Pages.
If anyone
is unsure of who to turn to for advice suitable Crime Prevention Advice
can be offered by their local Community Police. West
Dunbartonshire is a safe place to live and work and we do not
experience the high levels of crime that are alluded to by certain
companies".
Lomond and Clyde Care and Repair offers a free Home Safety Security Survey to anyone
in West Dunbartonshire who is disabled or over
60. The survey includes a security audit and anyone who is concerned can call
01389 734188 to arrange this.
If you
are aware of such salesmen operating in your area, think you may have been a
victim of these salesmen or require further advice on your consumer rights,
please call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506. Council employees should always
produce identification which you can verify by calling 01389 737000.
