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Don't Get Stung
Doorstep callers come in a variety of disguises
with lots of plausible chat lines and patter. It’s
not a crime for someone to knock at your door –
but how can you tell the conman from the genuine caller?
We’ll help you tell the difference and explain
your legal rights :
On the doorstep
Many salesmen behave responsibly and announce who they
are – however some pretend to be energy consultants
or security inspectors to get inside your front door.
Only when they start their sales pitch do you understand
that they are trying to sell you something. It’s
much harder to get rid of them once they’re in
your sitting room. Best say no thank you then promptly
close the door.
Check the Identification
Use a spy hole, keep the chain on or call through the
door before you open it. Always ask to see identification,
an honest caller won’t mind and should offer this
to you straight away. Remember phony business cards
and ID badges are sometimes easy to produce. If you
are in any doubt ask the caller to wait when you check
out their credentials, or call back when you can have
someone else there with you.
Special Offers
Don’t be tempted to sign because of a special
offer that ends tomorrow. Be suspicious – these
discounts are usually permanently available.
Get it in Writing
Don’t sign or agree to anything until you have
a written quotation from the salesman. Tell him that
you intend to get a couple of quotes elsewhere before
you agree to anything. Make sure the quote includes
his company’s full address as well as:
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Details of the work to be done |
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How long it will take |
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What materials will be used |
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The price and a breakdown of the charges |
Some salesman may ask you to sign a form just to say
they’ve been. Check this very carefully as it
could be a contract. If in doubt refuse to sign until
you’ve been in touch with us.
Payment
Never pay money up front to a trader whom you have just
met. There are conmen who will offer to do a job, take
a hefty deposit supposedly to buy materials and never
return. We hear stories like this everyday. In almost
all cases the rogue can’t be traced and the cash
is lost.
Don’t let a trader take you to a bank or Post
Office to withdraw money. Always check a trader out
before paying a penny.
Receipts
Insist on a detailed receipt – this is your evidence
of what work has been done and how much you have paid.
Make sure it contains the trader’s address and
that this is genuine.
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