Consumer Alert - Cold Calling company offer security check, hard sales

High Risk

A company is cold calling in the Midlands region. They
falsely claim to be working in conjunction with the Council or the
Police. They typically offer to arrange a free home security check and
offer a free paper shredder as an incentive. At the home visit, high
pressure sales tactics are used to sell overpriced alarm systems to
elderly and vulnerable residents. They have also been known to
escort vulnerable consumers to the bank to help them withdrawn
payment for their services.

Possible Action:
Cold calling is not in itself illegal, but everyone
needs to be wary of companies who operate in this manner. For
example, it is a criminal offence to claim to be working with the Police
or the Local Authority when this is not the case. When you enter into
a contract at home, you also usually have a 7 day cooling off period
during which you can cancel the contract. The company would also
be obliged to give you written notice of your right to cancel.