Buying and selling Requirements has acquired a number of stories of rogue merchants charging an excessive amount of for repairs.
County Coun. Albert Atkinson, cupboard member for technical companies, rural affairs and waste administration, stated: “There is no restrict to what these rogue merchants will do, whether or not it is posing as gasman or charging you a fortune for small or badly achieved repairs.
“You do not have to purchase something from a cold-caller who knocks in your door. Our recommendation is to all the time say no and do your analysis. Suggestions from family and friends are a great way to discover a dealer as is our Secure Dealer web site.
“Our Buying and selling Requirements group does an outstanding job of tackling these firms and serving to individuals who have been focused. Contact them by way of our Citizen’s Recommendation Client Helpline in case you want help.”
There have additionally been stories of on-line and phone scams.
One includes callers providing warranties for white items. Typically the callers might be persistent, repeatedly calling the householder and as soon as they’ve agreed to a guaranty, might be focused by different comparable calls. In a single case, a person struggling with dementia had given his financial institution card particulars to a number of of those firms, paying round £90 every time. In one other case a buyer had paid £1,800.
Be cautious of phone scams the place the caller states you possibly can declare a reimbursement for beforehand paid investments.
A resident in Clitheroe who had paid out £18,000 for a Bitcoin funding over three years in the past acquired a phone name from a rip-off firm. The caller claimed that they had been ordered by the financial institution to refund her the funding cash. They claimed they wanted her checking account particulars and would additionally want a fee from her of £2,000.
County Councillor Atkinson added: “By no means give your financial institution particulars to any of those scammers on-line or over the telephone.
“It is best to contact the manufactures of white items your self, or the retailer you obtain from to debate any guarantee. Bear in mind, you’ll have cancellation rights of 14 days for many contracts agreed over the phone.
“You also needs to watch out with investments and solely cope with the businesses who’re registered with the Monetary Conduct Authority.”
The Secure Dealer scheme can assist you discover a dealer in your space, contact 0303 333 1111 or go to www.safetrader.org.uk.
To cut back telesales calls, be part of the Phone Desire Service on 03450 700707.
To report any scams or rogue merchants, contact Lancashire Buying and selling Requirements by way of the Residents Recommendation Client Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
