How to avoid being Conned

In Association with Quorn Neighbourhood Watch

Unfortunately, in every town and village there are "cowboys" whose aim is to get our money by false claims and pretences often by targeting our greed, tempting us with offers we cannot ignore. Leicestershire Trading Standards Service has produced a pamphlet to help you "Drive the Cowboys out of Town".

The list of 'popular cons' has been compiled from typical consumer complaints. As consumers we must learn to be more forthright and say "thank you but no thank you".

1 Doorstep sellers! Cowboy operators!

Popular offers include security systems and home improvements, and involve high-pressure sales techniques.

Stories like 'your roof is falling off or you desperately need a damp proof course are designed to panic you into buying goods and services you do not need. If you do decide to accept the offer ask for a written quotation and obtain a full name and address. Play safe and always get at least two other quotations.

2 Extended Guarantees/Warranties

Salespeople will often try to sell you extended warranties or guarantees especially on large household electrical appliances or second hand cars. They try to persuade you with the benefits of the cover, however check the details of exactly what extra is covered. Usually an extended guarantee or warranty offers no more protection than you already have under civil law.

3 Charity Sales, Fund Raising and Lotteries

Whilst not wishing to discourage you from giving to worthy causes be sure that your donation actually benefits and reaches the people who need it. Some unscrupulous organisers take a large cut from the proceeds and even more money goes towards administration.

4 Competition Prizes

There are companies who will send you notification through the post, over the phone by fax or e-mail, that you have won a prize or gift.

You usually have to pay postage, send money through the post or pay for a telephone call at an exorbitant rate. The prize is usually worth far less than your costs.

5 Free Holidays

You may have to answer a few easy questions over the phone to ensure that you qualify for the holiday but in order to collect you have to attend a seminar. This can lead to high pressure selling and being pushed to buy timeshare or some similar scheme.

6 Working at Home

You may be tempted by the chance to earn extra money working from home. However some schemes on offer are not what they seem. Never send money off for a registration fee, if you do, you may lose it.

Many bona fide companies will send you information without demanding money up front.

7 Free Windows/Kitchens/Drives

Be wary of free offers like this. They will say all you have to do is let other potential customers come to look at the work and this will pay for the job. It usually wont!

8 One Day Sales/"Mock Auctions"

You may receive a leaflet advertising a one-day sale or "mock auction" in your local village hall or hotel. Beware - because advertised goods may not be available or, if they are they are likely to be faulty. Buying "problem goods may leave you with a problem and out of pocket.

9 Counterfeit Goods

The price of Counterfeit goods may appear very attractive but they may be inferior to the genuine item or, worse, unsafe.

Remember buying fake goods supports a criminal activity and may undermine others jobs.

BEWARE OF CHEAP COPIES.

10 Free Safety Checks.

This is a typical offer on cars and can sometimes be a good idea. However insist on a quotation if the first check reveals work is necessary.

Your Cancellation Rights

Traders who call at your house without your invitation and sell you goods costing more than £35 must give you notice informing you of your cancellation rights. These rights allow you to cancel the agreement for up to 7 days.

It is a criminal offence not to give you these cancellation rights and the agreement becomes invalid and cannot be enforced. These cancellation rights even apply where the trader has phoned you before a visit or a salesperson called to arrange a visit.

However these cancellation rights do not apply in some instances, for example, those relating to land or the supply of food and drink to your home by a regular delivery person.

This information has been prepared by Leicester Trading Standard Services and Leicestershire County Council Regulatory Services. For more information call 0116 265 7979.