Kent Trading Standards have been notified of a business cold calling residents in the Ringwould near Dover area attempting to sell or provide "free" burglar alarms.
Trading Standards would not recommend agreeing to any work following a cold call. Few jobs are so urgent that they need immediate action and businesses rarely give away expensive items "free". Previous experience is that burglar alarms offered as being "free" have maintenance and monitoring contracts attached to them which are not free and can, in some instances, be both 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 at their door. 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 08454 04 05 06. You can also visit
www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk for a list of traders.