Warning from HCC Trading Standards
Hampshire Trading Standards are asking residents to be alert to a telephone cold call they have received reports about. The caller questions the resident about their home security, and a home visit is offered. The aim is to sell the resident a security alarm system.
Concerns are that residents may unwittingly give out details that could compromise their own security. By agreeing to a home visit, they may be sold an alarm system which may not suit their needs.
Trading Standards advise residents not to agree to work, or to give out security details, to unknown persons over the phone. Best advice is to obtain at least 3 written quotes from reputable businesses or traders who are either members of the Hampshire County Council Trading Standards ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme or a recognised trade association.
Members of the Buy With Confidence scheme are fully audited to ensure their trading practices are legal, honest and fair. All members have been checked for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws. Details can be obtained by telephoning 01962 833620, emailing buy.with.confidence@hants.gov.uk or via the website www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
Traders who agree work at the home of an individual or at a place other than their usual business premises are required by law to provide consumers with a ‘Notice of Right to Cancel’, which gives a 14 day cooling off period.
For further advice or to report an issue to Trading Standards contact our partners at the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
For urgent enquires, or where installation has been agreed too, contact Hampshire County Council's Quick Response Team on 01962 833666 (Monday – Friday 0900hrs to 1700hrs), where specially trained officers are on hand to provide advice.
If assistance is required outside of these hours please contact Hampshire Police on their non-urgent number 101 or dial 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated.
Contact Information
Clerk to the Council
- 01635 298634
Find Kingsclere Parish Council
Kingsclere Parish Office, 37 George Street, Kingsclere, Newbury, Hampshire, RG20 5NH
Additional Information
Phone and email monitored regularly Office Phone voicemail available. To make an appointment to visit the office in person, please contact the Clerk to the Council.