Thurrock Council’s trading standards team has issued a warning to elderly and vulnerable residents not to deal with telephone cold callers.

Councillor Jane Pothecary, Thurrock’s new portfolio holder for public protection warns: “We have been made aware of some incidents in the Borough where elderly residents have been targeted with calls asking if they would like to sell their homes to pay for any care costs.

“Other examples of cold calls could be where businesses are offering computer services, financial services and home improvements.

She added: “Think about whether you actually need the work doing or the service they are offering and if you would have asked for help had the caller not rang. It is always your decision whether to accept the offer of help.

“It can be a good idea to get two or three quotes from different businesses before confirming your agreement, to make sure you are getting a fair price. Don’t just accept the first quote, shop around.”

The council's final advice to residents is to say no to all unsolicited doorstep calls or phone calls.

For 'official callers' on the doorstep always ask to see identification and if in doubt ring the organisation to check that the caller is genuine.

 

Further advice: 

For problems with cold callers or advice the council advises contacting Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454-040506 or at www.citizensadvice.org.uk

The Telephone Preference Service will register phone numbers free of charge to prevent unsolicited sales calls. To do this you can call 0845-070-0707 or register on line at www.tpsonline.org.uk

The ‘Buy With Confidence’ scheme has a list of approved traders who have been vetted and approved by trading standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.

To obtain details of an approved trader go to www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

For those eligible to receive care and support from the Council, with consent, the council can always undertake a financial assessment to work out what you can afford to pay.