Warning On Doorstep Sellers |
5 Mar 2007 |
South Tyneside residents are warned to be on their
guard against a rogue doorstep seller operating in
the area.
At least two elderly people have been approached by
the man who, it is believed, changes the goods on offer
depending on who he is targeting.
Council Leader Councillor Paul Waggott said: "I
want to alert people to this and ask them to be on
their guard against doorstep sellers.
"This is a problem which regularly occurs throughout
the Borough, and it is possible that this man will
pop up elsewhere in the area, although this incident
took place in my own ward of Hedworth.
"Our Trading Standards team are keen to hear
from anyone who may have been targeted."
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 of cancellation
rights before the transaction.
If this notice is not offered, the seller may be committing
a criminal offence and the matter should be reported
to Trading Standards on 424 7878.
Residents can also take advantage of several services
run to protect against rogue traders.
The Safetrader scheme gives 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 advice
or assistance regarding any consumer issue, contact
Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
If you are an elderly resident of South Tyneside,
or a carer of an elderly or vulnerable individual,
text the word 'doorstep' to 07786 200802. You will
be texted with warnings of rogue traders or doorstep
scams that Trading Standards become aware of in the
area.
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