TRADING Standards officers are urging Huddersfield residents to give the cold shoulder to cold callers.
They are encouraging people to stay safe in their homes by heeding their message: “Cold Calling – Don’t Buy It” and saying a firm ‘No.’
Traders who don’t leave when requested are committing a criminal offence.
And householders are being advised to report them to the police or Trading Standards.
Every year over 10,000 complaints are made nationally about cold callers, who often target the elderly or vulnerable.
According to Trading Standards, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as victims are often embarrassed or frightened and many incidents go unreported.
One incident which was reported was that of a “tree surgeon” who posted many flyers through the doors of elderly residents.
He offered to cut down various trees for an 86-year-old woman with dementia.
He tried to charge £8,000 – but the true value of the work was around £300.
Kirklees councillor Andrew Pinnock, who is a member of the Trading Standards committee, said: “The Cold Calling – Don’t Buy It campaign raises awareness – particularly amongst the more vulnerable consumers – that cold callers could be anyone and that they should never be dealt with.
He advised everyone to treat such people with the greatest suspicion.
“You can report rogue traders to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506”, he said.
