News

Residents in Poole are to receive help and advice on how to avoid dangerous or uncomfortable situations with doorstep sales people. As part of National Consumer Week, officers from the Council will be on hand to offer advice on consumer rights at the Dolphin Shopping Centre on Thursday 14 November.

Many uninvited callers are door to door sellers and evidence from the Police has shown that on some occasions these visits are carried out by bogus callers and may lead to distraction burglaries. Consumer Protection Services have developed ‘Doorstep Danger’ cards and leaflets to inform people of their rights, these will be available on the day along with advice on how to deal with an uninvited caller. The cards have been produced in line with this year’s theme - ‘Foot in the Door’ and can be used in windows or on doors to deter nuisance callers. They give a clear message: WE DO NOT BUY FROM DOORSTEP SELLERS.

Cllr Bob Williams, Executive Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration, said: "This scheme is very important for Poole residents that are at risk from people who may take advantage of them. I am pleased that we have been able to provide a service that will help combat this problem and I urge anyone that is unsure of what to do, or is confused when faced by an uninvited caller, to seek advice."

Peter Pawlowski, Head of Consumer Protection Services, Borough of Poole, said: "Consumers need to be protected from people who operate unorthodox selling practices - whether by visits, telephone calls or post. The Borough of Poole supports the national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of dealing with strangers, or unknown companies. Our service can advise them of their legal rights if they decide to purchase products from their own homes and hopefully ensure that they are able to make informed decisions."

Some common techniques used by uninvited callers to sell or gain entry include:

False ID cards - if unsure of legitimacy look for the company’s name in the phone book and ask for Personnel to verify the identity of the visitor.

Misleading information about consumer rights before and after a sale

High pressure sales tactics designed to intimidate consumers into buying goods or services

Sales people refusing to leave unless a contract is signed - a genuine company will be happy to leave you to think it through.

Consumers asked to sign ‘survey forms’ which are actually disguised contracts - check anything you put your name on thoroughly, if still unsure don’t fill it in

Mis-selling of electricity or gas contracts

Unreasonable demands for payment before a sale is made.

For more information on consumer advice Poole residents can contact the ‘Adviceline’ on 01202 261700 or visit the display at the Dolphin Centre on November 14. Bournemouth residents can call 01202 451551 or visit their display in Bournemouth Square on November 13, residents in the rest of Dorset can call 01305 224012.

National Consumer Week is co-ordinated by the Trading Standards Institute (Trading Standards Officers professional body), which is designed to raise consumer awareness of the problems they may experience when obtaining goods or services.