Trading Standards have asked for the following message to be sent out, although the original incident was reported in Aston-on-Trent, it is thought that they may operate over the Derbyshire area.
A company is cold calling offering a free prize draw to win a car in exchange for a name, address and telephone details. The company will then ring the householder to arrange a sales visit trying to sell high value carpet cleaners. The sales visit may take some time and the householder may feel pressured into buying the cleaner.
Reputable companies do not usually advertise for business by calling at your home uninvited and will not visit unless you ask them to. They’ll also explain your consumer rights which rogue traders will not do.
If goods or services cost you more than £35 you have cancellation rights to end the contract within seven-days. If you’re not given a written notice explaining your cancellation rights the contact is unenforceable. The trader is committing a criminal offence and you do not have to pay.
If you have a complaint about such an issue you can call a Government-funded advice service, Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
If you feel threatened or intimidated by callers, contact the police on 0345 123 33 33 or in an emergency dial 999.