ABC warns residents to beware of doorstep callers

[Kintyre Forum News]

Argyll and Bute Council warns residents to beware of doorstep callers

Argyll and Bute Council’s Regulatory Services are urging local residents to take extra care when dealing with doorstep callers who are known to be active in the area.

They advise that you should think twice before you agree to any household repair or maintenance work with someone who calls at your door without invitation, particularly where no paperwork is provided. The best advice is to only deal with traders that you know, or can confirm the details of and who give you written cancellation rights.

It is always best to get more than one quote for work and to take advantage of your legal right to a seven-day cooling off period.

If you agree work at your home the traders should not start work before the end of the seven day cooling–off period, and you can cancel the contract at any time within those seven days.

The right to cancel must be given to you in writing, and also include details of the work agreed, the price, and the trader’s full contact details, including an address. It is against the law for the trader not to give this paperwork, but without these details you may also be unable to contact the trader should you need to.

If the workmen don’t give you the paperwork, or want to start before the seven days have expired the advice is not to agree a contract.

You have a number of legal protections including:

If you ask the person to leave your property they must do so immediately.
Aggressive sales tactics, harassment and coercion are prohibited by law.
You are not obliged to pay any amount of cash before work is carried out.
If you feel threatened or you suspect that the person may be a bogus caller, phone Police Scotland .
For further advice on your rights in relation to unexpected callers please contact Argyll and Bute Trading Standards on (01546) 605519.