Cold callers warning

Date Added - 08/07/09

Moray Council’s trading standards section has warned residents to be wary of cold callers or doorstep traders offering to carry out home repairs, gardening and driveway repairs.

Over the past few weeks a number of complaints have been received from householders about poor quality workmanship.

Trading standards officers have examples of cold callers using false names and addresses which means it is impossible for dissatisfied customers to trace them.

A spokesman said: “It is usually older and more vulnerable consumers who are targeted by these unscrupulous operators.

“Quite often these traders adopt a high pressure sales approach, bullying their victims into accepting whatever service they claim to be offering and then grossly overcharging for shoddy workmanship.

“Trading standards would encourage people to be equally forceful in declining the service and not allow these strangers into their homes.”

If householders do decide to employ an unknown tradesman, they should check the person’s credentials, ask for references, demand a written quotation in advance and keep a note of any vehicle details, including the registration number.

Never part with money until the work is completed to your satisfaction and always pay by cheque or card and never be persuaded into going to the bank or building society to withdraw cash.

Further advice is available from the trading standards section on 01343 554617 or Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.