Say no to cold callers

East Ren Council's trading standards team, in association with community police, are warning residents not to deal with rip off doorstep callers

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 8 February 2013 17:45

Every year the area is targeted by con men who knock on doors and offer to do roof repairs, driveways and gardening work etc. The price frequently rises from the original quote and the work is rarely done properly if at all.

The trading standards team has produced a sticker for displaying on your door to say ‘NO COLD CALLING’ to deter unwanted callers.

Principal trading standards officer Steve Fox said: “Please affix a sticker on your door. There are two types, one for the outside and one for the inside glass on your door. If a cold caller ignores the sticker politely point it out to them and close the door. If they call again complain to us.”

The door stickers have been widely circulated in the East Renfrewshire area including council office receptions, libraries and public swimming pools and on the council’s website.

Environment convener Councillor Vincent Waters said: “This is an excellent initiative between the council’s trading standards team and the local community police. We hope this will help reduce the likelihood of people, particularly our older and vulnerable residents, becoming victims of crime in their home.”

Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts when employing workmen.

DO
• Ask friends and family for recommendations.

• Get quotes detailing the work to be carried out as well as the cost

• Make sure you know who you are dealing with, you should have the full business details including name, address and contact details.
• Check if guarantees are insurance backed.

• Avoid paying cash, cheques give you proof of payment, Credit Cards give you the added protection of claiming against the provider if the trader goes bust.

• Get receipts

• If you don’t know the trader and can’t get recommended traders look for someone who is a member of an Office of Fair Trading approved trade association scheme contact 0845 7224499 or www.oft.gov.uk

• Contact Care and Repair Renfrewshire to enquire about their Small Repairs Service. They are also giving out FREE COLD ALARMS to anyone aged 60 or over or who has a disability and lives in East Renfrewshire (subject to availability). The cold alarm is simple to operate and member of staff will bring it to you and explain how it operates and alerts you when the indoor temperature drops to an unhealthy level, contact 0141 812 4111.

• Contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 if you wish to make a complaint/get consumer advice.

• Contact Ring and Report If you suspect a fraudulent workmen is operating in East Renfrewshire note the registration number of the van and any other details and Ring and Report on 0800 0130076 .

DON’T
• Don’t employ workmen who chap your door or deliver leaflets unless you check their trading background. Make sure you have an address and a land line number.

• Don’t pay up front. It is reasonable to pay in stages or on completion of the job.

• Don’t pay if you are unhappy with the workmanship, Trading Standards may be able to put you in touch with an independent expert to examine the job.

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Say no to cold callers

East Ren Council's trading standards team, in association with community police, are warning residents not to deal with rip off doorstep callers

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