Get advice today at Uxbridge Road Citizens Advice Bureau
This is National Consumer Week, running from November 12 to 16, and Hammersmith and Fulham Council is helping residents say no to unwanted cold callers and doorstep traders.
H&F Council and Kensington and Chelsea Council have teamed up the Trading Standards Institute and the Office of Fair Trading to help local residents deal with unwanted doorstep callers.
The theme of this year’s National Consumer Week is Cold Calling – Don’t Buy it.
While there are many legitimate traders who sell on the doorstep there are, unfortunately, some who use dubious techniques to pressurise people into buying, notably vulnerable and elderly residents.
Residents can get advice from Trading Standard Officers on how to avoid the pitfalls of cold calling and doorstep selling at events this week at Uxbridge Road Citizen’s Advice Bureau on Tuesday November 13 from 2pm-5pm, and at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Avonmore Library on Wednesday November 14 from 1pm-4pm.
There will be advice, guidance and information on people’s consumer rights, how to say no to doorstep traders and how to get rid of cold callers, as well as free stickers with a clear message saying that cold callers are not welcome.
Cllr Greg Smith, deputy leader of H&F Council and cabinet member for residents services, says: "Not all doorstep sellers are bogus but illegal traders are unscrupulous and will do anything they can to scam money out of residents, especially unsuspecting, vulnerable or elderly people.
" Our message to residents is to say no to people who try to sell you goods on the doorstep or offer to carry out work around the house. If a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is."
For further information about National Consumer Week Hammersmith & Fulham residents can contact Hammersmith & Fulham Trading Standards by emailing trading.standards@lbhf.gov.uk or calling 0208 753 1081.
November 13, 2012
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