Rogue Traders have been and are
currently cold calling in the Titchfield and
surrounding area of Hampshire offering to block
pave driveways etc. It is alleged that these
traders are not providing consumers with any
paperwork and in particular details of consumers
rights to cancel.
Trading
Standards would advise consumers not to agree to
work that is instigated as a result on a cold
call or via a leaflet drop. Consumers should
obtain at least 3 written quotes from reputable
businesses or traders who belong to a recognised
trade association, such as the Hampshire County
Council Buy With Confidence Scheme. Details of
this scheme can be obtained by telephoning 01962
833620, via email at
or via the
website
www.buywithconfidence.gov.ukbuy.with.confidence@hants.gov.uk
Traders who
agree work at the home of an individual or at a
place other than their usual business premises
are required by law to provide consumers with a
Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives consumers
a 7 day cooling off period. Work should not
commence until this period has ended, unless
written agreement is first obtained from that
consumer beforehand.
If anyone has
any information about these traders who are cold
calling or requires any advice on doorstep crime
they can contact Hampshire County Council's
Quick
Response Team on 01962 833666
(Monday –
Friday 0900hrs to 1700hrs)
where specially
trained officers are on hand to provide
assistance.
If urgent
assistance is required outside of these hours
please contact Hampshire Police on 0845 045
4545.
Also
- It has been brought to the attention of
Hampshire Trading Standards Service that
residents are receiving telephone calls
stating: that, as their payment records
for paying the Council Tax over the past few
years has been impeccable, the Government has
agreed to make an immediate refund. Could they
please provide bank details to enable a bacs
transfer to be made.
Could we
please remind everyone, to be on your guard and
not to supply or confirm any personal, banking
or card details to anyone who makes contact with
you.
If you
have any concerns regarding this information or
similar cold calling matters, please do not
hesitate to contact our:
Quick Response Team on 01962 833666.
Warning
- Rogue Traders are cold calling in rural areas
of Winchester offering to carryout landscaping
and driveway work. Reports have been received
that they have been cold calling in designated
'No Cold Calling' Zones.
Householders
are advised that recent changes to planning laws
have resulted in planning permission being
required for some block paving and tarmac work
on driveways. Further advice on these
requirements can be obtained from your local
authority Planning Department. The onus in
obtaining this permission lies with the
householder and not the business carrying out
this work and some traders appear to be abusing
this position.
Trading
Standards would advise consumers not to agree to
work that is instigated as a result on a cold
call or via a leaflet drop. Consumers should
obtain at least 3 written quotes from reputable
businesses or traders who belong to a recognised
trade association, such as the Hampshire County
Council Buy With Confidence Scheme. Details of
this scheme can be obtained by telephoning 01962
833620, via email at
or via the
website
www.buywithconfidence.gov.ukbuy.with.confidence@hants.gov.uk
Traders who
agree work at the home of an individual or at a
place other than their usual business premises
are required by law to provide consumers with a
Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives consumers
a 7 day cooling off period. Work should not
commence until this period has ended, unless
written agreement is first obtained from that
consumer beforehand.
If anyone has
any information about traders who are cold
calling or requires any advice on doorstep crime
they can contact Hampshire County Council's
Quick
Response Team on 01962 833666
(Monday –
Friday 0900hrs to 1700hrs)
where specially
trained officers are on hand to provide
assistance.
If urgent
assistance is required outside of these hours
please contact Hampshire Police on 0845 045
4545.
Warning
– This Service has become aware of a company
operating in Hampshire who offer to clean your
carpets. Initially, a low cost promotion is
offered, however the final price escalates which can
be excessive once extra’s are added. Furthermore,
it has been reported that consumers are not given
their cancellation rights in notice form until the
works have been completed. Works under £35 are
exempt.
Cancellation
rights in notice form should be given prior to any
works carried out, and you must give your written
consent if they are to start within the 7 day
cooling off period, therefore please read any
paperwork thoroughly before you sign any
documentation.
If anyone has any
information that may be connected with this trader,
has information about other incidents or requires
any advice on doorstep crime they can contact
Hampshire County Council's Quick Response Team on
01962 833666, where specially trained officers are
on hand to receive information and/or provide
assistance.
Hampshire Trading Standards
Service operates an approved trader scheme called
Buy With Confidence which includes companies that
clean carpets. Information about this scheme is
available online at
or by telephoning Consumer Direct on
08454 040506
www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
