Burglar alarm warning

Council Trading Standards Officers have received information that a certain company is both using scare tactics - such as exaggerated supposed high crime levels - as well as offering free alarms as an enticement to obtain an appointment with the customer.

Recent calls to Rotherham Trading Standards report that the company is calling in connection with crime research. Other claims are that the particular trader is working with the Police or as part of a Government scheme, neither of which are correct.

Often customers are persuaded to sign a contract reportedly costing thousands of pounds and calls to Trading Standards indicate that those being targeted by these companies are elderly and vulnerable.

Rotherham Trading Standards strongly advise Rotherham residents to consider not accepting appointments following such "cold calls". Anybody receiving such calls should immediately contact the Consumer Direct helpline on 08454 04 0506.

A Rotherham Trading Standards spokesman said: "Although it is not illegal to cold call customers, we advise residents not to be rushed into purchasing alarm systems or any goods from such callers until they have taken advice first, for example by telephoning Consumer Direct.

"Residents should take their time and compare lots of different products and prices before making a decision. We urge anybody who has contact with an elderly or vulnerable person to talk to them about this issue.  Residents may also register with the Telephone Preference Service if they do not wish to receive unsolicited calls.

"Consumers who sign such contracts for cash purchases over £35 at home, or away from the supplier's business premises, must be given a written notice of their right to cancel.

"They may cancel within seven days following the making of the contract. If consumers agree in writing for the trader to start work straight away but then cancel within the seven-day cooling off period, they may, in some circumstances, have to pay for any work carried out up to the time they cancel. Consumers should seek immediate advice from Consumer Direct in these circumstances.

"If Consumers sign a Credit Agreement at home following face to face contact with the supplier they must be given notice  of their cancellation rights. These should be written into the agreement which they sign and they must be given a copy of the agreement at the time they sign.

"They should also then receive either a second copy of the agreement through the post, or a separate notice of cancellation rights. Consumers then have five days to cancel starting from when they receive this second posted copy or notice. However it would be better not to sign in the first place unless residents are absolutely sure they are getting a good deal and wish to be bound by the agreement."

Cllr Jahangir Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, added: "I am always astounded to hear that companies that should be providing services which reassure local people, actually exaggerate and play on peoples fears in order to get their business.

"I have also learnt through experience that if a deal sounds too good to be true, invariably it is.  I will do all that I can to highlight these problems and protect the people of Rotherham. We want good honest companies to survive and thrive, and those that don't play by the rules will be exposed for what they are doing."

If consumers have been misled by false statements made by traders they may in certain circumstances still be able to terminate the agreement outside these cancellation periods but would need to take Legal Advice on their rights.

Residents who have been contacted by such companies are requested to immediately contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 whether or not they have made a purchase.

Although Trading Standards have been able to obtain refunds for residents in some cases due to legal cancellation rights, this is not always possible and prevention is always better than cure.

Residents may also register with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707 if they do not wish to receive unsolicited calls.