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Early WarningsLancashire Trading Standards Service has established a network to quickly send out warnings by email whenever we receive information about potential dodgy traders, particularly when they are targeting the elderly and vulnerable. If you want to be included in our email notifications please email Dawn Robinson If you have information about suspect traders or scams please contact Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506, website Consumer Direct. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once. For details of the latest warnings about doorstep criminals and scams in and around Lancashire click on the links below
Residents are advised that there are several scams and possible unfair practices hitting Lancashire at the moment. South Ribble - consumers have complained about a cold caller who phones, saying that he is from British Telecom, and that he is offering a new service called "Do Not Call ". For a one off payment of £9.95 the consumer can take advantage of a life-long service banning cold calls. Financial information to pay for this service is then requested over the telephone. Consumers are warned that these phone calls are not made on behalf of BT, and asked not to give personal information to companies they do not know over the phone. South Ribble, West Lancs - " Supporting Arms " bags have been left for collection at various locations, asking for unwanted goods. These are not left on behalf of a registered charity, and unfortunately the collections sometimes coincide the collection of other bags left by properly registered charities. Please be aware that the profits from sales of goods given to such companies as Supporting Arms are likely to go to support private businesses rather than charitable enterprises. Throughout Lancashire - consumers selling goods on ebay are warned that after notification by ebay that a sale has been successful, you may receive a fake email, very official in appearance and purporting to be from Paypal, requesting that you post the item and send them the tracking number. The email states that payment has been received but is in a holding account till paypal receives the requested information, at which point they will release the money. Believing that the email is genuine, the seller then posts the item abroad, only to find later that the paypal email is fake when no payment is received. Please be very careful when sending any goods abroad, especially to Africa where many of these scams originate. Throughout Lancashire - Businesses, schools and nursing homes across the county are being warned to watch out for bogus invoices that claim to be from directory publisher Yell in relation to its products and services. The warning comes after a number of complaints, including one from an Accrington primary school that recently received a bogus £500 invoice. The scammers seek to mislead Yell customers into signing up to fake advertising contracts which sometimes result in repeated requests for payment by phone. Some people may be duped into thinking they are taking out Yell advertising or renewing existing advertising programmes. Bogus order forms are sent by e-mail or fax and contain look-alike "Yellow Pages" branding. Customers who return the form subsequently receive invoices and requests for payment. Some have even received threatening telephone calls. In one instance, scammers set up copycat websites resembling Yell.com. Yell customers should be particularly alert to any correspondence they receive containing contact or bank account details in Holland or Germany . Some of the names to beware of are: Throughout Lancashire - Another lottery scam apparently based in Italy- the name given is Chic Express , giving an address in Piemonte- the unsolicited letters claim the consumer has won £66,000 but needs to send a £20 administration fee in the envelope provided. The letters purport to come from Collins & Partners Practice, so-called experts in security & financial transfers. Residents are strongly advised never to give out personal bank details in response to an unsolicited call or mailing. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street , Preston , Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any loss of money the matter should also be referred to the police. Warning issued by Dawn Robinson, Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Service, please call 01772 532763 for further information. Residents are advised that there are several scams and possible unfair practices hitting Lancashire at the moment. Chorley and Adlington- men with strong accents are cold calling residents by telephone and pretending to be from Chorley borough council. They claim that the resident's house has been over-rated for council tax, that it is being dropped a band and hence a refund is due, and that the consumer needs to give the caller his or her bank details so that the refund can be given. Needless to say this is a scam, and residents should be strongly warned about these calls. Rossendale and South Ribble- there are reports of a companies, one giving a Blackpool address, calling consumers and offering to claim back missold payment protection insurance or bank charges. Credit card details are requested and amounts then taken from accounts. Consumers should be aware that a recent Supreme Court judgement ruled for the banks on the issue of allegedly unclear overdraft charges, hence it is more difficult to claim back banking charges. In addition such businesses should be registered as claims management companies with the Ministry of Justice, which is often not the case. Be aware that anyone giving card details over the phone may end up paying more than anticipated. There are proper free channels to investigate overcharging and mis-selling- firstly complain to the bank, and then to the Banking Ombudsman if the response is unsatisfactory. Rossendale and Ribble Valley- consumers have complained that a cold caller has phoned, said he is sorting out their computer problem when they have not reported one, and then asking for personal and financial details. Rossendale- a company claiming to be based in India are cold calling residents by telephone and claiming to be collecting income tax. Discounts are offered for agreeing to pay over the phone, and payment details are requested. Preston and South Ribble- burglar alarm salesmen have been cold calling by telephone offering free alarms to residents and discussing the crime problems in the respective districts to persuade the consumers to agree to survey visits. Be warned that while the alarms may be free, consumers sign up to expensive service agreements which may last several years and cost a total in the thousands. Residents are strongly advised never to give out personal bank details in response to an unsolicited call or mailing. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street , Preston , Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any loss of money the matter should also be referred to the police. Warning issued by Dawn Robinson, Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Service, please call 01772 532763 for further information.
Residents are asked to be aware of the following trader currently operating in Lancashire : Following several consumer queries, Lancashire Trading Standards Service wishes to warn Lancashire residents that sacks which have been left on people's doorsteps on behalf of Essex-based company Supporting Arms Ltd should not be mistaken for the ones usually deposited by charities. The firm involved in this case is a profit-making concern. We cannot say for certain that no money is ever given to charity, however it is likely that the only people who benefit from the public's generosity in this instance is Supporting Arms Ltd and those employed by or for them. The company has been handing out bags (usually blue) throughout Lancashire, recently targeting the Preston area, and currently collecting in the Chorley and Eccleston areas. It requests donors to supply it with anything from clothes to household goods which are then apparently sent to Eastern Europe and Africa where people are employed to sort out the goods for sale and distribution. The managing director of the company is Lithuanian but based in Essex . We do not believe any criminal acts are being committed by the company, but are anxious to ensure that residents do not read more into the wording on the bag than is actually stated. The number on there- 06846572- is a registered company number and not an indication that Supporting Arms Ltd is a charity or has any charitable status. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once on 999. Warning issued by Dawn Robinson, Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Service, please call 01772 532763 for further information.
Residents are asked to be wary of the following traders currently operating in Lancashire : Thornton Cleveleys: Following the arrest of a gang of four for offences relating to work carried out on a pensioner's drive in Thornton Cleveleys on 18 January, in a joint Police and Trading Standards operation which saved the consumer at least £2500, Lancashire Trading Standards Service is warning residents that the gang is believed to have been targetting older residents throughout the county for some time. They operate from sites in various parts of the county, often giving Skelmersdale or Preesall addresses, and are described as white men, some with Irish accents, using a white Ford Transit and a white Ford Flatbed. They cold call and start work washing, then digging up and tarmacing, driveways almost at once. They also offer to mend gateposts or paint roofs. Free work (usually washing drives) may be offered initially though this may then be charged for. High pressure sales tactics are believed to be used and consumers are unclear exactly what has been agreed to. No written cancellation rights are given- a criminal offence. It is believed the work offered may be unnecessary. The leader of the arrested gang is already being prosecuted by a neighbouring Trading Standards Service after targeting older consumers for unnecessary or misdescribed work, and is believed to be based in Lancashire but working across the North West. Residents are asked to warn all their neighbours about a group of Irish men cold calling and carrying out this type of work county-wide and beyond, and keep an eye out for anyone vulnerable in the area. This incident is only one of 39 complaints from Lancashire consumers in December and January, relating to cold calling traders, received and investigated by Lancashire Trading Standards Service. Consumers dealing with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far when cancelling. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification for utility workers using details from the phonebook- do not assume credentials are genuine. Ensure any price quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and ensure the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down by the trader before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once on 999. Warning issued by Dawn Robinson, Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Service, please call 01772 532763 for further information.
Residents are asked to be wary of the following practices currently operating in Lancashire : Lancaster, Fylde and Wyre area- there is an alarm and security company targeting residents, allegedly stating they work in conjunction with the police and giving advice on security. Consumers are persuaded to sign up to a 5 or 10 year contract for maintenance checks on the security system, which will cost thousands, and can tie the resident in to a burdensome credit agreement. Throughout Lancashire- various benefit advice companies based in Ecclestone and Liverpool are currently advertising their services helping people claim disability benefits and tribunals. These companies charge a considerable portion, in some cases 45%, of arrears awarded after a successful appeal, which in many Disability Living Allowance appeals could be £1,000+, money that the claimants are due and need as most of them are on low incomes already. Please be aware that free advice and representation is available to all Lancashire residents from Lancashire County Council's Welfare Rights Service and other agencies. Throughout Lancashire- franchised businesses selling vacuum cleaners appear to be targeting over-60s in more expensive areas, distributing raffle tickets to win a Nissan Micra or a free carpet shampoo. Customers who win a free carpet shampoo are then subject to a sales pitch for expensive vacuum cleaners during the visit. Please warn residents of the sales intention behind this free offer. Tradesmen should always leave premises when asked- if not, report them to Trading Standards. Consumers agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once on 999. Please be aware that there have been complaints from older residents about a caller who telephones to inform them that they are entitled to an extra amount on their Winter Fuel Payment or an extra Christmas Bonus. The caller then asks for personal details such as date of birth claiming that they need to confirm they are talking to the right person. They then ask for bank account details. These calls are not genuine and no official service would contact a customer and ask for bank details in this way. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once on 999.
Residents are asked to be alert to a roofing company giving a Lytham address whose staff are cold calling and offering to carry out various jobs on roofs, including gutter cleaning, sealing and maintenance work, and signing customers up to five year maintenance contracts worth an average of £1500. There are concerns over the quality and value of the work, the legitimacy of some of this company's operations, their verbal claims to be linked to councils including Wyre bc, and the fact that older people are often targeted. Complainants come from all over West and Central Lancashire, with recent customers in Thornton-Cleveleys, Fleetwood and Chorley . In addition, a company in a white van giving an 0800 number is currently offering to carry out work on tree cutting. This company is believed to be cold calling vulnerable consumers throughout the Leyland area. On one occasion a customer discussed work with them but said he did not wish to have the trees cut yet. On his return home he found that the work had already commenced, and asked them to stop. The company is now believed to be using heavy-handed tactics to claim money from this man. Please also be aware of a computer company telephoning residents throughout the NW and claiming they are acting on behalf of “Windows”. The calls are in fact from an Indian based company. The caller asks the consumer to switch the computer on and to confirm their name and address then claims the resident's computer has been infected by a virus. The company is attempting to persuade people to sign up to their services to remove the probably non-existent virus. Consumers agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once on 999.
Residents are asked to be alert to an unnamed man offering to clean driveways who is believed to be cold calling vulnerable consumers throughout the Accrington area. In one incident, an address on Southwood Drive , Accrington was targeted by an abusive man who used strong language when asked to leave by the householder. The man ignored the 'No Cold Calling' stickers and knocked anyway. Although so far we have only received complaints from consumers who have refused to deal with this man, householders should be aware that if they deal with doorstep callers they may pay more than agreed for poor work, and may find it difficult to contact the traders afterwards if there are any problems with the work carried out. Consumers agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once on 999.
Companies need to be alert to the fact that DPA Registrations (Data Protection Act Registrations), giving a PO Box address in Blackpool, has been sending notifications to companies throughout Lancashire requesting a fee for assistance in registering their business with the Information Commissioner. The DPAR is not an official agency and businesses are under no obligation to register with this company. Although it is a legal requirement for most organisations processing personal data to register with the Information Commissioners Office, this is easily done by calling or emailing to request a registration form, and costs only £35 for a business to register itself. More information is available on www.ico.gov.uk or by contacting the ICO on 01625 545740 or notification@ico.gsi.gov.uk. This warning provided by Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs, calls via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.
Please be aware that Poulton-le-Fylde is currently being targeted by paving companies cold calling, allegedly not giving cancellation rights (a criminal offence), and carrying out substandard work. On one occasion seven men with Irish accents in a silver van bearing a mobile number and an 0800 number on the side, damaged the drains of an older recently bereaved resident, cut through a cable, left the driveway in such a state that it will have to be re-done, and tried to charge £3000 for the work. On a second occasion a team led by a man called Patrick driving a Mitsubishi carried out a poor paving job, and became aggressive towards the vulnerable consumer when challenged about his practices, attempting to enter the house. It is the third similar complaint received by Trading Standards in two days and it is not yet known if the matters are linked. Meanwhile, residents in Langho are asked to watch out for a company believed to be cold calling in the area and selling mobility aids such as scooters, stairlifts and bath aids. Recent reports suggest that the unnamed company is refraining from giving contact details and using hard sell tactics on older consumers. Please note that looking for properties to rent over the internet may have its pitfalls- recent complaints from the Preston area indicate tenants are dealing with individuals claiming to be landlords looking to rent out properties, but to be currently working abroad and unable to fly back. The 'landlord' states that he requires some proof of good intention. Once in receipt of a deposit moneygram, he is untraceable and has no connection with the offered property. Mr Parry is one name used but that will probably change each time. Also be aware that householders in the Lancaster area have recently received a variant on the old 'unclaimed fortune' scam where a bank offers to share the unclaimed estate of an individual who has died intestate, splitting the money between the bank and an individual with the same surname, and eventually ends taking various registration, administration, and release fees for the non-existent money. The latest letters claim to be from Lee Yu Yang of the HuaXia Bank in Hong Kong . The latest Euromillion Lottery letter scam has been reported from the Poulton area, where residents are receiving heavily personalised letters promising untold riches. The company quotes a Oxford Street , London W1D1LY address on its letters in order to create an air of respectability. Meanwhile the similar Spanish Euromillions Lottery of Madrid is targeting the Burnley , Pendle and Morecambe areas with letters. Consumers dealing with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about the right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once on 999. Residents are asked to be alert to a driveways and paving company believed to be cold calling multiple addresses and carrying out paving work throughout East Lancashire . Recent reports come from the Hyndburn and Pendle areas. An address in Salford is given by this company, who use an 04 registered White Citroen Relay van and display 0800 and 07776 numbers. There are four white men, two brothers who are in charge and two Eastern European workers. Work is believed to be expensive and of poor quality, older consumers are targeted with high pressure sales techniques, deposits are demanded up front and on occasion consumers are driven to the bank to withdraw payment. It is also believed that consumers are not given the required information as to their rights to cancel the work. Consumers dealing with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about the right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once on 999.
Residents are asked to be aware of the following practice: Unknown male described as white, stocky build, 50 yrs, clean shaven and bald head, is known to have approached older residents of flats, knocked and stated that he is here to check electrical sockets. He uses a small machine to check sockets, which he places on the kitchen worktop. He asks occupant to stay in the kitchen and switch sockets on and off at his request, whilst counting to ten, while he checks sockets in the living room and bedroom. Cash and jewellery are then taken. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once on 999. Residents are asked to be wary of the following practices currently operating in Lancashire : Lancaster area - there is an alarm and security company targeting residents stating they work in conjunction with Lancaster city council (not true) and giving advice on security. Residents get a free security marker pen and shredder – but they have to agree to a visit first. One consumer was also asked if she lived alone and owned her own property. In reality the trader wants consumers to sign up to a 5 or 10 year contract for maintenance checks on the security system, which will cost thousands, and can tie the resident into a burdensome credit agreement. Clitheroe area - clothing collection company A & P Collection Ltd are currently delivering flyers and collecting items for selling abroad. Residents are advised to read the leaflet carefully- as stated, donated items will provide jobs in transport and sorting, however the organisation is not a charity. In addition, A & P Collection Ltd no longer exists and has been dissolved hence we are unsure who is currently behind these collections. Preston area - male, dark hair, fifties, grey anorak has carried out a distraction burglary on a lady and stolen a handbag and jewellery after saying he was visiting to check radiators. Another man has been in the same area claiming that he works for the government and is carrying out a survey, possible asking personal questions dealing with identification issues. Consumers agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once on 999.
Residents are asked to be wary of the following practices currently operating in Lancashire : East Lancashire area - a Lancashire-based window company has been cold calling in Burnley and the Ribble Valley over the last week offering double glazing. It is believed that salesmen have misled residents by stating that if they do not have the latest most energy-efficient type of double glazing installed they will be penalised by the borough council by having their council tax raised. This is not the case. Burnley area - four men in two plain vans, a white Fiat and a white Transit, are targeting the Burnley area offering to jetwash and pave driveways. No paperwork or cancellation rights are given- the latter is a criminal offence. Pressure is put on residents to pay cash and pay before the job is finished, and the traders offer to drive them to the bank. Only mobile numbers are given. The two men in charge have Irish accents. They are currently believed to be operating in the Worsthorne/Brownside area. Fylde area - a small blonde lady in a silver 4x4 has been calling door-to-door in Lytham St Annes claiming to work for a large house builder which is selling surplus carpet stock. The carpets sold are misdescribed as wool when they are actually nylon and are smaller than claimed. Consumers agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once
Residents are asked to be wary of the following practices currently operating in Lancashire : Adlington area - a young man from Bury who is cold calling and jetwashing driveways for £200, no paperwork is given Countywide - Alarms company offering 'free' alarms on the phone then charging many thousands for service contracts, and a security company purchasing cheap CCTV equipment from stores and inflating the price to £900 or £1000 when sold to consumers Countywide - holidaymakers returning from Spain are being targeted with letters claiming to be from the 'Ministerio del Interior' demanding payment for speeding fines Countywide - a company called Aqaa, Zurich is sending large cheques to residents and asking them to send some of the value on to another via Western Union- by the time this has happened the original cheque will have bounced Countywide - Scam where a caller claims to be from the Royal Bank of Scotland and demands payment of £49.99 for essential forms Consumers agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Three men have been knocking on doors with a view to selling and installing a CCTV camera which they claim will allow residents to view who is at the door via a link to their TV set. They all wear ID badges on yellow neck-straps, leading residents to believe the men were from the Council. Elderly residents are told lots of people are having the installations in their area, and are pressurised into having the work done even if they say they are not interested. A camera is then installed in the porch and a wire is sent through the UPVC doorframe, along the carpet, into the lounge and then connected to the TV. The charge is £300 cash and only basic, handwritten receipts are issued. Before leaving one resident's house they said they would be back the following day to finish off, but they did not return. The system does not appear to be working at the moment and the workmanship is of an extremely poor standard. No Cancellation Notice was issued to the resident- a criminal offence. Descriptions of the men are as follows • The “Electrician” – 40's , 5 ft 8,slim build, short dark hair, fawn coloured jacket • The “boss” – 40's ,shorter, medium build , leather jacket (shaded brown) , dark hair • 3 rd man – taller 5ft 9 – 6ft , thick set, fair skin, fair hair, navy blue suit, brief case We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Consumers agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street , Preston , Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Over the last few days a number of Aughton and Ormskirk residents have received telephone calls from a company claiming to offer free burglar alarms. The salesperson says that they have representatives in the area and that they will visit and survey the house for a free alarm, valued at £4,000. They will tell you that they will also waive the £450 installation cost and the annual maintenance cost. Does this sound too good to be true? Of course it does – because it is! If you let them into your house they may try to persuade you of the benefits of their burglar alarm systems. They may also tell you that they are working with the police. This is not true. Unscrupulous sales people prey on those who might feel insecure, especially following the recent burglaries in the area. Police advice is never to purchase from anyone cold calling on the telephone or from anyone who calls at your home unannounced. If you receive a call like this, you are advised to make a note of the telephone number of the caller, tell them that you are not interested in their product and that you will be informing the police of their call. Lancashire Trading Standards have been contacted regarding the alarm company and police enquiries are continuing. Please pass this information to your friends and family. If you receive any calls of this nature that you are not happy about please contact the police on any of the following numbers: General Police Enquiries: 0845 1 25 35 45 Town Green Police Station: 01695 424000 Emergencies Only: 999 If you would like advice and information on security and crime prevention please contact the crime prevention team on 01695 566353/566354. They will provide free, independent advice on ensuring that your home is safe and secure. Thank you for your co-operation. PC Ken Lees & PCSO Jill Reid – Aughton Police Station – 01695 424000 I Lancashire Trading Standards Service is urging internet users to be vigilant against online fraudsters as recent national research of 1400 adults shows that online scams are on the increase. This type of fraud accounts for a substantial part of the estimated three million UK consumers who fall victim to scams sent by email, internet, post, text, and the phone every year, collectively losing £3.5billion. 23 per cent of UK internet users surveyed said that they, or their close friends and family, had been targeted by phishing scams in the past 12 months, compared to just eight per cent the year before, while over 1 in 6 had fallen prey to other scam emails or websites. Trading Standards warns that the findings highlight the increasing need for vigilance against online fraudsters, and reminds the public to be vigilant to the dangers of ever more sophisticated online scams. Never respond to offers promising vast lottery wins or 'get rich quick' opportunities and never disclose personal details to people you don't know. Three of the most common e-mail scams which consumers should look out for are: 1 Phishing - the email appears to come from your bank, a company you regularly do business with, a Government Department or from your social networking site and directs you to a mocked up website that asks you to provide personal data such as account details, passwords and credit card numbers. The site is fake and your details can be used to commit identity fraud. People who have fallen victim to internet frauds should contact their local police station. Phishing emails should be reported to the relevant bank using the contact details on their website or by sending an email to reports@banksafeonline.org.uk, as well as your Internet Service Provider (ISP). For free, independent, easy to follow advice about online safety, visit http://www.getsafeonline.org .
Lancashire Trading Standards Service wishes to alert residents to the activities of two cold-calling companies currently targeting Lancashire . Firstly we wish to warn consumers against a paving/driveways/landscaping company giving a Stockport Road , Manchester address and an 0161 number. The trader cold calls delivering orange flyers offering all types of driveway, fencing, walls, landscaping, turfing jobs, and stating 'All work guaranteed to British Standards'. The main man is Irish but is believed to employ itinerant labourers from other countries, and the workers travel in dark 4x4 and a white transit van. No paperwork or cancellation rights are given- a criminal offence- and the quality of the work carried out is believed to be poor and overcharged. The company have been targeting residents in the Penwortham/ Preston area over the weekend but are likely to also be working elsewhere in Lancashire . Secondly we would like to advise residents that a roof warranty company giving an address in St Annes is operating widely throughout the county, cold calling and charging £1,500 for a 5 year contract to maintain a household roof. Consumers are advised that the warranty only covers annual inspection, together with annual emptying of gutters, cleaning of fascias etc and up to 8 hours free labour. Before taking out such a contract consumers are advised to think carefully about the value of service they are obtaining for the large amount of money paid out. Consumers, often elderly, are being persuaded into such warranties on fairly new roofs which should not require any significant maintenance. Consumers agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat, or fear of burglary, contact the police at once.
Residents are advised that doorstep sellers from a company called Helping Hands have been operating in the Walton le Dale area of Preston in the last few days, selling tea towels and other items door to door. The group consists of a number of salesmen and a team leader, each with a photo ID, who travel together then split up to cover a residential area. They are believed to be currently staying in the Blackpool area, and may be in Lancashire for some time, covering other areas. Although we have no information to suggest these particular traders are breaking the law, we strongly advise consumers never to deal with cold callers. However, consumers who do should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period for any purchases made at the door costing over £35. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. Please refer any complaints or information about any doorstep practices to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.
Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards Service will be running free safety checks on electric blankets this November. The tests will be taking place at: • Monday 24 th November 2008 – Lancaster Fire Station, Cable Street , Lancaster . • Tuesday 25 th November 2008 – Fleetwood Fire Station, Radcliffe Road , Fleetwood. • Wednesday 26 th November 2008 – St Annes Fire Station, St Andrews Road North , St Annes. • Thursday 27 th November 2008 – Burnley Fire Station, Belvedere Road , Burnley . • Friday 28 th November 2008 – Ormskirk Fire Station, County Road , Ormskirk. The testing will be offered to Lancashire residents and on a strict appointment only basis. Residents should telephone 01772 533569 to book an appointment. The tests will be conducted by a qualified electrical engineer. All electric blankets over 3 years old should be regularly tested. Members of the public, particularly the elderly, are urged to get their electric blankets checked. The testing only takes about 10 minutes but it is an important safety check which could save someone's life. By getting them checked out you can have peace of mind that it is safe.
An elderly lady in Carnforth was confronted at 2pm Monday 20th October 2008 by two males. One told her they needed to check her water and it had to be switched off. They entered the house, one then turned off the stop cock thus distracting the aggrieved while his associate searched the entire house stealing personal property. The two men then left taking the property with them. The offenders are described as follows: • Male, 5' 6" tall, medium build, round face with cropped dark brown hair • Male, white, mid 30's wearing a dark blue baseball cap with a motif on the front, black suit, white shirt, black shoes and red gloves with dark bobbles. This method of entry has been used in the past two weeks at other houses in Carnforth and Bolton-le-Sands. Please warn all your clients to rigorously check the identity of all callers to the door, no identity, no entry to their home and contact the Police immediately on the emergency system giving full details of the incident and as full a description of the persons involved. There have also been fish sellers in the area of Hest Bank, Bolton-le-Sands and Carnforth, the best answer to them is, 'NO THANK YOU' and close the door, and again contact the Police on 01524 63333. Any information should be passed to the C.I.D. office at Morecambe Police Station - 01524 63333.
The Office of Fair Trading is today warning consumers about a sinister new twist to prize draw scams in which the victims are unwittingly being used to help defraud others. An investigation has uncovered a network of elderly prize draw fraud victims, some of whom have been groomed by the scammers into unknowingly acting as 'money mules' to launder other victims' money. The fraud involved consumers receiving telephone calls claiming that they had won an international sweepstake or prize draw worth up to £500,000. The victims were told that in order to claim their winnings they needed to pay 'refundable' taxes and insurance fees and were asked to send payments by money transfer to the scammer in Canada . The twist came when victims were later informed by the scammer that their prize had arrived at a UK airport but that further sums of money were required for its release. Victims were told to send personal cheques, often for thousands of pounds, to UK 'agents'. These 'agents' turned out to be other victims of the same scam who had been duped into acting as 'money mules', banking the cheques and innocently transferring the money to the scammer overseas. Victims receiving the cheques, who often had exhausted their own life savings, were told by the scammer that the money was from 'sponsors' to help pay the required release fee for their prize. None of the victims received any financial advantage for being 'money mules'. At least 22 elderly victims of the fraud have been identified to date, a number of whom were sending cheques to each other as well as to the scammer and who have collectively lost at least £350,000. Victims were encouraged by the scammer to borrow large sums of money once their life savings had been depleted and some have lost upwards of £50,000. In one instance, the scammers targeted the widower of a victim who had died. Trading Standards advice to anyone who receives a telephone call, letter or e-mail telling them that they have won a large cash prize is to stop, think and be sceptical. Remember a genuine prize draw, sweepstake or lottery would never ask you to pay taxes, custom duties, insurance, or any other fee before they release your winnings. Anyone who is contacted about an alleged prize draw or lottery win and suspects it may be a scam should immediately contact Consumer Direct for clear, practical advice on 08454 04 05 06 or http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk . NOTES 1. Overseas prize draw scammers are using 'money mules' in the UK for a number of reasons: (i) some victims are unable to effect a money transfer because they live in rural areas with no convenient money transfer facilities or they don't have a valid passport; (ii) many victims are less suspicious if money is sent to a genuine UK address rather than abroad; and (iii) victims believe that the alleged prize win must be genuine because they are receiving cheques from so-called 'sponsors'. 2. In recent years lottery and prize draw scammers have become more sophisticated in their attempts to defraud consumers. Counterfeit cheques are increasingly being sent to victims to help cover their 'expenses' and convince them the win is genuine. By the time the victim is notified by their bank that the cheque is fake they may have already sent thousands of pounds to the scammer
Residents are advised that Lancashire Trading Standards Service has received reports of a new take on the African scam that has been so prevalent in the last few years. The emailed scam purports to come from a solicitor named Umeh Gabriel, and mentions a Canadian oil and gas company director with the same surname as the targeted consumer, who has died in a Kenya airways crash, leaving US $18.5 million, and no traceable relatives. The solicitor requests the targeted consumer to send personal details to umeh@umehchambers.net.tc and to agree to stand in as a relative of the dead man. Any vulnerable individuals should be warned that this is definitely a scam, and that it is currently doing the rounds. Please advise everyone you know never to give out personal details of any kind, especially bank details, in response to an unsolicited call or mailing. In addition, please be aware that a trader called Storm Shields (this is written on the side of the white van they use) has been cold calling in the Wrea Green, Preston, area of Lancashire area in November 2008, offering to carry out roofing work. Information received suggests that the two white male traders are washing roofs down and colouring or treating them for £4000. Any further information about these traders would be gratefully received. (NB We believe there are several companies in the house repair field using similar names and would like to stress that this enquiry does not suggest wrongdoing on behalf of any company) We strongly advise consumers never to deal with cold callers. However, consumers who do should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although if the trader has already begun to carry out any job when cancellation occurs, the customer may have to pay for the work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. Please refer any complaints or information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any loss of money the matter should also be referred to the police.
Residents are asked to be wary about three separate traders currently operating in the Preston, Fulwood and Chorley areas at the moment. We have reports of a tree service company cold calling and leaving leaflets in the Chorley area (6 November 2008), the trader is believed to use insufficient safety equipment and precautions, and does not give required cancellation rights. He has recently dumped grass cuttings on the consumer's drive when payment for work was refused. There is also a trader with an Irish accent driving a plain white 55 registered van, working in the Fulwood, Preston area (6 November 2008) approaching and cold calling consumers and using pushy selling practices to sell allegedly left-over tarmac. He gives out a Liverpool (0151) landline number. Finally, we have a roofing contractor in a white transit van cold calling elderly residents in the Ribbleton, Preston area, handing out paperwork with a 0800 number and a mobile number, and offering to replace or install plastic guttering and fascias. Again written cancellation rights are not provided and the traders appear to be uncontactable on the numbers we have. Residents should be aware that several roofing companies are currently using the 131 Friargate address on paperwork, this is simply an accommodation address where mail may be collected from time to time, no roofers are actually based there. Consumers agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Fraudsters are targeting taxpayers with thousands of scam emails in the run up to the 31 January Self Assessment tax deadline HM Revenue & Customs said today. HMRC also warned the public to be aware of further fraudulent attempts to obtain personal information after the 31 January deadline has passed when many people will be waiting to hear about genuine tax refunds. The scams tell the recipient they are due a tax refund and ask for bank or credit card details so that the fictitious tax refund can be paid out. HMRC is also aware of a growing number of telephone scams with fraudsters posing as tax officials arranging rebate payments. All customers who provide their details to the fraudsters risk their accounts being emptied and credit cards used to their limit. The victim also risks having their personal details sold on to other organised criminal gangs. HMRC strongly advises: * that any email appearing to originate from HMRC and which offers a tax refund should be forwarded unopened to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk If in doubt, please check it out with HMRC at Further information: 1. Since April 2008 HMRC has received over 11,000 reports of fraudulent repayment emails. 2. Do not visit the website contained within the email or disclose any personal or payment information. If there is any loss of money the matter should be referred to the police .
Lancashire residents are asked not to deal with a cold calling damp proofing and building contractor, a limited company with various addresses including a Barnsley one, believed to be currently offering free damp proof surveys in the Hyndburn area, and likely to move elsewhere in Lancashire soon. In 2007, Lancashire Trading Standards Service were notified of problems with the company targeting vulnerable people in Lancashire, claiming that it is illegal not to have a Damp Proof Course and that residents wouldn't be able to sell their house without one. They are also believed to have claimed that the damp in consumers' houses would cause major wood rot. Whilst making appointments they ask a number of questions which help target vulnerable individuals e.g. is the person over 50, do they live alone and whether they have any builders in the family, information we would advise householders not to disclose in such circumstances. We strongly advise consumers never to deal with cold callers. However, consumers who do should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although if the trader has already begun to carry out any job when cancellation occurs, the customer may have to pay for the work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancashire via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Lancashire residents are asked to be wary about cold calling jewellery purchaser who is currently operating in the Fulwood PR2 area. Lancashire Trading Standards Service has received information about a man in his 50's smartly dressed in a suit and with an affected posh accent who is targeting central Lancashire households this week, purchasing medals and jewellery from elderly householders. In addition please watch out for two men with Irish accents, driving a small white van with yellow writing and a mobile number on the side, who have been targeting households in the Morecambe LA4 area today (22/09). They offer to tarmac drives, and then try to buy not-for-sale vehicles and caravans off householders, using persistence to get their way. Please advise all contacts not to deal with cold callers, and refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancashire via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Lancashire residents are asked to be wary about a bogus clothing collection company which is currently targeting the county. Lancashire Trading Standards Service has received information about a company which leafleted households in the Fulwood and Chorley areas this week, and may now be heading elsewhere.
Brands affected Kirov, Kremlin and Glen's vodka, sold in 70cl bottles, have been identified as the most common counterfeits, with a recent problem over Spar Imperial vodka sold at non-Spar outlets- it is stressed that there is no problem with the Imperial sold in Spar shops. Identification The counterfeit SPAR Imperial Vodka has a hint of acetone smell (similar to nail varnish). Bottles of the counterfeit samples are identified by the code QI:1445c and a smudged inkjet code reading that looks like 102234 04/08/02. Legitimate bottles are notated by 700ml66mm followed by two symbols and then the numbers 8809. There is no lot code present on the neck of the counterfeit bottle samples, whereas lot codes are present on all legitimate stock. The only legitimate outlet is a Spar store and if sold elsewhere they should be considered suspicious. Issues with methanol The bulk of the alcohol comes from Eastern Europe where counterfeiters often create a product containing levels of cheap, industrial chemicals such as methanol. Methanol is normally found in vodka at extremely low levels, but high levels should not be present. An excessive intake of methanol can cause poisoning and the effects include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness and dizziness, blurred vision leading to blindness, and breathing difficulties. Counterfeit vodka seized in Lancashire has been found to contain up to 20 times the maximum legal limit of methanol. Anyone who may have drunk counterfeit products is advised to seek immediate medical advice.
Residents are asked to be wary about an unknown male who is currently believed to be operating in the Chatburn, Ribble Valley area. He has recently knocked on an elderly lady's door in Chatburn & told her he was Keith from a company called Morbens (a real company who are believed to be unconnected with this man) & handed over the contact details for this company. The woman bought a mattress for £300 cash and was driven to the bank by the trader who ensured that she used her bank card to withdraw the money. She is unhappy with the product but is unable to obtain a refund since the contact details she has are unconnected to the actual trader who sold the goods. The trader cold calls and does not give written cancellation rights as required by law, he breaches the Business Names Act requirements, and he is prepared to apply pressure in order to get payment. Consumers agreeing to deal with cold callers should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although if the trader has already begun to carry out any job when cancellation occurs, the customer may have to pay for the work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street , Preston, Lancashire via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Residents in the Fleetwood, Thornton , Cleveleys and Poulton areas are asked to be wary about a number of cold-calling tradesmen who are currently targeting these neighbourhoods. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street , Preston, Lancashire via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Residents who like a flutter on the horses are being warned not fall for the bogus racing tipster mailings currently sweeping the country. The Office of Fair Trading estimates that punters lose at least £5million every year to such scams. Punters are often 'guaranteed £10,000 a week' using 'unrivalled access to insider information' for a discounted membership fee of £100. Every week hundreds of people lose money to a variety of tipster scams. Often victims receive a glossy mailing from a fake 'racing pundit' who claims to have access to inside information from trainers and owners and an amazing success rate that guarantees large profits. Other tipster scams promise consumers a regular income placing bets on other people's behalf with punters told to send on winnings for successful bets while losses are "protected" by a money-back guarantee. Victims often end up paying hundreds of pounds for a non-existent service and when they try to get their money back they find out that the pundit's name is made up and the address given is just a mailbox. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street , Preston , Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any loss of money the matter should also be referred to the police.
Residents are asked to be wary about two men with Irish accents, who have been recently working in the Aughton area offering to carry out gardening work door to door. They use a mobile number and a number with a 01704 area code, and drive a white transit van with a trailer and the name of the company on the side. The name of the company is believed to consist of two initials followed by Tree Technology. They have a card which states they offer special rates of 35% discount for OAPs, and that will accept payment by cheque but refuse to do this in practice. On one occasion they drove an elderly lady to the cashpoint and charged several hundred pounds to trim a hedge. Secondly be aware that a Trader called Tree Services, believed to start with a man's name, who also claim to offer special rates for OAPs but in this case use a 01254 number, recently cold called an elderly lady in the Skelmersdale area and charged her £380 to trim some trees. Despite disagreeing with the price she was intimidated into paying in cash since three men came into her house to tell her the final cost and take the money. Thirdly, there are concerns about a trader named after a local river valley, who uses a 01524 number and advertises in local newspapers including the Citizen, who has recently taken £9,000 from a Morecambe resident for painting, flooring and guttering work which has apparently been badly done or is unfinished. Two men work together to carry out the jobs, and are aggressive when their standard of work is questioned. All of the above three traders are believed to cold call and not give written cancellation rights, there are also indications that they are prepared to apply pressure in order to get payment. Consumers agreeing to deal with cold callers should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although if the trader has already begun to carry out any job when cancellation occurs, the customer may have to pay for the work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street , Preston , Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Residents in the PR6 area of Chorley are alerted to concerns about a high pressure sales team selling carpet cleaners and currently operating in their area. The company is contacting residents and offering to clean carpets for free in return for comments on the cleaning performance. However, once in the house to provide this free service, the salesmen refuse to leave until they have sold one of the cleaners. In one house they stayed for over two hours until the sale was finally agreed. They are believed to be targeting elderly and vulnerable consumers with hard line sales techniques. Be warned that if you or your neighbours deal with this company you may end up paying £2000 for an unwanted vacuum cleaner. We advise residents never to deal with cold callers. Anyone who does deal with a tradesman who cold-calls will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although if the trader has already begun to carry out any job when you cancel, you may have to pay for the work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the consumer unless information about this right to cancel is given in writing. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the consumer unless information about this right to cancel is given in writing. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against you unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street , Preston , Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
There are five traders driving a white van, they have Irish accents and claim to be from Birmingham . One man and a cleaning machine is left at each property and collected shortly afterwards. We strongly advise residents not to deal with any cold callers. However, if you are caught, be aware that when dealing with cold callers there is a seven-day cooling off period to change your mind, cancel any purchases you have made over £35, and obtain a refund. The contract will not be enforceable against you unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street , Preston , Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once on 999.
Reports of poor workmanship by G'n'A Roofline Services Lancashire Trading Standards Service has received a number of complaints about the quality of work carried out by a company of two men, one with an Irish accent, calling themselves G ‘n' A Roofline Services, and giving an address in Cheshire on paperwork. G ‘n' A Roofline Services has been cold calling local residents in the Preston and Chorley areas and offering to fit a dry verge cap system for gable ends, which is a system where plastic caps are fitted to the apex of the roof, in order to protect tiles and stop rain from entering. There are allegations that the trader initially quotes a high price but then offers a reduced rate to make householders feel that they are getting a bargain. Prices may then be increased when other ‘faults' are noticed, and in some instances the final bill has been £1,000 or more. Work appears to be carried out to an extremely poor standard and the trader is often reluctant to rectify the faults on any of the complaint premises. Some householders have been forced to pay out again for a reputable company to put the work right and fix leaks in their roofs. The company is also offering a ten year guarantee that may prove difficult to enforce, as the paperwork bears either no address or just an accommodation address. We advise residents not to deal with cold-callers, however if you do, the trader should give written 7-day cancellation rights , without which the contract will not be enforceable against the consumer Also to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from workmen, and to ask for identification and references from other customers. Obtain estimates from other traders, and ensure the work to be done and price to be charged is written down before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street , Preston , Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Residents are advised to be wary of several men with Irish accents and a white van who cold called an elderly man in the Accrington area on Friday 11 January, did some unsatisfactory paving work on his drive, and drove him to the bank where he was made to hand over £2,500. They are believed to have also worked in the Ribbleton area lately. Any further information on such callers would be gratefully received. New scams include customers who have placed adverts in Loot being called by an unconnected man who claims to be from the paper, and wants the placer of the advert to hand over personal and credit card details so that the account can be processed manually following a problem with the details given. He gives a bogus telephone number when challenged. A company calling themselves US Petroleum Holdings have been writing to Lancashire residents asking if they wish to invest in a new oil well, copies of share certificates are provided and a good return on the investment promised, while a company from Frankfurt, Germany seems to be targeting the recent sellers of shares to ask if they wish to invest the money realised. The latter requests passport and driving licence numbers along with a banker's draft. In addition, Lancashire Trading Standards Service is still receiving complaints about bogus foreign lottery companies, often giving addresses in Spain or Holland, with either foreign names or names such as ‘UK Lottery' or ‘Euromillions'. A recent one is Biotonic Nivelle based in France . They all inform customers they have won a large sum of money but that they must pay an initial administration fee, and often hand over personal bank account details or fill in a form authorising banks to release information. Several Lancashire residents have lost large sums to these scams over the last three months. Meanwhile the usual fraudulent ‘phishing' emails claiming to be from Nationwide, Lloyds, RSBC etc are still doing the rounds demanding full account details, and despite publicity we are still receiving reports of victims. Any vulnerable individuals should be warned that there is an increasing number of these types of companies out there, that it is impossible to win on a foreign lottery unless you actually participate in one, and that many genuine national lotteries are only open to a country's own residents. No bona fide lottery, such as the El Gordo Spanish National Lottery, would demand up-front fees. And never give out your personal bank details in response to an unsolicited call or mailing. Consumers agreeing to deal with cold callers should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although if the trader has already begun to carry out any job when cancellation occurs, the customer may have to pay for the work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. We advise residents not to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from workmen, and to ask for identification and references from other customers. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the price to be charged is written down before you agree to the work starting. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
Updated 30th April 2008
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