28/11/2007 - Don't let conmen make your Christmas a turkey : Cumbria County Council

Cumbria Trading Standards and Cumbria Constabulary are urging home owners to be extra cautious about bogus callers in the run-up to Christmas.

An example highlighted this week by an alert member of the public was a man claiming to offer free home security checks "on behalf of the council" in the Penrith area; when the person he called asked for a name and number to call back the line went dead.

Phil Ashcroft, Head of Cumbria Trading Standards, said:
"Never deal with cold callers, either on the telephone or in person. Rip-off merchants work all year round, but will be especially keen to fleece you around Christmas when there may be more of your savings to be had.

"If your home does need work on it then use qualified, reputable people who are members of trade organisations. Get several written estimates before making your decision and never decide anything immediately. The cowboys will demand payment up front and, if you even see them again, the chances are the work will be of a very poor quality and cost far more than they promised.

"Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service offer free home safety visits where they can offer professional advice and fit free smoke alarms. Likewise, the police can offer advice on home security."

Anyone who has bought goods or services as a result of an unsolicited telephone call or visit, has 7 days in which to cancel.

For help or advice about a problem relating to goods or services that you've purchased, contact Consumer Direct telephone number 08454 04 05 06. There's also plenty of tips on the websites www.safefromscams.co.uk and www.ripofftipoff.net