Kent Trading Standards have been notified of a business telephoning residents in the Dover area attempting to sell burglar alarms for a "one off" price of £250. This business uses high pressure sales techniques and will make an appointment for their engineers to fit the alarm even when they have been told not to. The business seems to know a lot of information about the people they call and ask questions about their security etc. The business also claims that they have full permission from the police to speak to the consumers about the product. It is not usual practice for the police to give this kind of permission.
Trading Standards would not recommend agreeing to any work following a cold call. Few jobs are so urgent that they need immediate action. Previous experience is that burglar alarms that are offered free or at a low price often have maintenance and monitoring contracts attached to them which are not free, can be expensive and last several years.
As with all purchases, it pays to do your research and obtain several quotes before making a commitment.
Kent Trading Standards advise consumers to be wary when dealing with traders phoning or calling at their door trying to sell goods. Consider carefully whether you do want the goods or services offered.
In most cases if you agree to buy anything costing over £35 from a trader at your door, the law gives you a 7 day "cooling off" period to change your mind. The trader must give you a written cancellation notice if you agree to have any work done. Failure to give this notice is a crime.
You can find reputable traders on the "Buy With Confidence" good trader scheme run by us. Our officers vet all traders on the scheme for trustworthiness and to ensure they comply with consumer protection laws. Or, ask for recommendations from friends or family.
To report any concerns you have or for details of Buy With Confidence traders call Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 0808 156 2256. You can also visit
www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk for a list of traders.
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