Say No To Doorstep Callers |
27 Sep 2004 |
South Tyneside Trading Standards has issued another
warning against bogus callers and cowboy builders.
During the past month Trading Standards has taken an
increasing number of calls regarding door-to-door sellers.
Typically a resident will receive a knock on the door
from a trader who claims to be doing work elsewhere
in the area and has noticed that urgent repairs are
necessary to the property.
This work may not be necessary or completed to a very
poor standard and it can be difficult to track these
people down if you need to contact them again.
Councillor Michael Clare, Lead Member for Neighbourhood
Services is warning residents to be on their guard.
He says: "Get at least three quotes if you are
thinking of having work carried out, and remember many
goods and services sold door to door may be subject
to a seven day cooling off period and the seller is
required to give the resident a notice before the transaction.
If a trader does not give notice of cancellation rights
they may be committing a criminal offence and the matter
should be reported to Trading Standards."
He adds: "Trading Standards wants to remind residents
of the Safetrader scheme which can give peace of mind
to people looking for builders or home maintenance professionals."
Safetrader lists are available online at www.southtyneside.info/safetraders
or can be requested by phoning 424 7878. For any advice
or assistance regarding anything bought contact Trading
Standards Consumer Advice on 424 7898 or 424 4400.
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