 |
| Issued By Durham County Council |
|
| Issued By Durham County Council |
FOOT
IN THE DOOR TRADERS WARNING
People
in County Durham were today (Monday, November 11) warned to be on their guard
against foot in the door traders and bogus callers.
Durham
County Council's Consumer Services officers are joining crime prevention
officers from Durham Constabulary in shopping centres throughout the county to
hammer home the message not to fall victim to doorstep scams.
Today
(Monday, November 11) marks the start of the Trading Standards Institute's
annual National Consumer Week, which this year focuses on doorstep sales and the
dangers of distraction burglaries.
Phillip
Holman, the County Council's Head of Consumer Services said: "We would urge people, particularly the elderly, to be
on their guard against unexpected callers at their door.
"Research
shows that many jobbing builders and other itinerant callers may be trying to
find out if people keep cash at home.
"If
you do employ these cold callers you're likely to be overcharged for poor
quality or non-existent work and you may also be targeted for future scams.
"Our
advice would be to use a door chain or other security devices and if unsure ask
them to leave. Genuine callers will
be happy to return when a friend or relative is present."
During
National Consumer Week, Consumer Services and police officers will be in
shopping centres advising shoppers of their rights when buying goods or services
from home, and warning about common junk mail postal scams including prize draws
and homeworking offers. The Police
will give advice on security measures.
Don
Ross, Deputy Leader of the County Council, said:
"It 's important not only to be aware of your legal rights when
buying from home but also of the dangers of bogus callers who target vulnerable
residents. We fully support the
efforts of the Police and other agencies in tackling these problems to protect
residents of County Durham."
Note
to News Editors: Durham County
Council will be raising consumer awareness on a number of issues -
Dealing
with Junk Mail - The Mailing Preference Service
Unwanted
Tele-Sales Calls - The Telephone Preference Service
Homeworking
Scams
Prize
Draw, Competition and Lottery Scams
Mis-selling
of gas and electricity
Buying
by Mail Order - Your rights in relation to distance selling
The
Public Awareness Campaign will visit the following shopping centres -
Monday
Eden Shopping Centre, Peterlee
Tuesday
Milburngate Shopping Centre,
Durham
Wednesday
St Cuthbert's Shopping Centre, Chester le Street
Thursday
Derwent Centre, Consett
Friday
Newgate
Centre, Bishop Auckland
For
further information contact Peter Fleming, Durham County Council's Assistant
Head of Consumer Services on 0191 383 3584 or Craig Hudson, divisional manager
on 0191 383 3707.
For
information on crime prevention initiatives contact Brian George, Community
Safety Department, Durham Police on 0191 386 4929.
Trading
Standards Institute Press Office can be contacted on 0890 872 9030