NEWS RELEASE

West Yorkshire Trading Standards warns of Summer Rogue Traders

Latest Consumer Direct figure reveal there were over 1170 doorstep selling complaints in Yorkshire and Humber. In a push to protect the vulnerable, West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service is joining forces with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT)’s Summer Doorstep Selling campaign, empowering local residents to deal with untoward doorstep sellers.

Research conducted on behalf of the OFT highlights the elderly as being particularly at risk of doorstep selling scams. One in five people over the age of 70 who were interviewed admitted to not being confident in deciding whether to employ a tradesperson and a fifth of those questioned couldn’t see through pressure sales tactics such as having to pay cash in advance or having to make a quick decision to get a good deal.

Graham Hebblethwaite, Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service said: “Not all doorstep sellers are bogus, however unlawful traders can be unscrupulous and use a range of persuasive tactics to sell seemingly irresistible offers to unsuspecting and often vulnerable people in their homes. I’m urging everyone who knows or cares for a vulnerable, elderly person to make sure they are aware of their rights when it comes to suspect door step approaches. No one should feel pressured into making a rash buying decision. If in doubt always think twice and get a second opinion.”

Judith Frame, Head of Campaigns at OFT said: “Complaints about home maintenance and illegitimate doorstep sellers traditionally peak in the summer months. While it is not illegal to canvas for work door to door, rogue doorstep trading remains a serious issue for vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly who live alone. Decisions made on the doorstep can result in a great amount of distress for those who are duped out of money for substandard products or services. It is crucial to be aware of your consumer rights and share this knowledge.”

Councillor Neil Taggart, of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, which oversees the work of Trading Standards said: ‘We know that the summer months are always rife with bogus trades people touting for business on the doorstep, particularly where we’ve had issues such as local flooding. Follow our advice to make sure you’re getting the deal you think you are.’
The OFT offers the following top 10 tips on how to deal with doorstep sellers:

Ten Top Tips
Buy Wisely and Safely on your Doorstep

Many people who sell things on the doorstep are legitimate traders, but unfortunately some aren’t. Rogue traders may use illegal pressure selling tactics to make people buy and they can ignore their legal rights. The Office of Fair Trading has developed ten top tips to help you buy safely and with confidence on your doorstep – and to help you say ‘no’ when you need to.  Continue reading →