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General Advice on Cold callers |
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Written by Steve Ladhams
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Monday, 05 July 2010 12:10 |
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From Sue Gibson, Force NHW Co-ordinator, It has come to my attention again that all types of companies are using aggressive/overly persuasive sales pitches to try to encourage homeowners to purchase whatever it is they are selling. The companies may be totally legitmate and because of the recession they are trying extra hard to make a sale, however some may not be and to this end I would like to reiterate a few points regarding cold calling and telephone sales, bogus callers and scams. I have also attached the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) Guidleines for buying from security companies. Remember you can also list your telephone number with a telephone preference call service, check with your telephone provider for details. See Attached for full details
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Last Updated on Monday, 05 July 2010 12:22 |
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Renewed message from Trading Standards |
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Written by Steve Ladhams
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Thursday, 01 July 2010 13:48 |
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We are conscious that several warnings have gone out recently to specific areas in Hampshire but these traders can so easily travel throughout the county. We are therefore re-sending brief information to everyone. Full details can be found on our website detailed below. - Roof Repairs (loose tiles, missing tiles) – some asking for small amounts of money for the repairs, then increasing the cost when further faults are found.
- Roof cleaning (including power washing which can cause damage) and repairs.
- Cleaning driveways, pavements, patios - often by powerwash systems. These often cause damage and charges are inflated.
- Security - Telephoned crime or security surveys. Asking quite personal questions regarding home security. The aim will be to sell you an alarm system. Often high pressure selling, visits to ascertain what is required and even ‘free’ systems and untrue statements that Trading Standards approve and direct response by the police.
- Tarmac – re-surfacing work to drives and paths.
- Tree surgery and gardening services.
Some of these traders are not providing consumers with the required notice of right to cancel (7 day cooling off period), others are inflating costs for work which is not necessary and demanding cash. Please be on your guard with regard to cold callers either on your doorstep or by telephone. Please do not hesitate to contact our Quick Response Team on 01962 833 666. Full details of these warnings can be found on our website: www3.hants.gov.uk/tradingstandards/tradingstandards-scams.htm |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 01 July 2010 13:57 |
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Written by Steve Ladhams
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Tuesday, 29 June 2010 14:38 |
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Registered users please log in and view the request for information on the community Intelligence page. or follow this link. Many Thanks Steve |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 29 June 2010 14:42 |
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Written by Steve Ladhams
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Wednesday, 30 June 2010 09:29 |
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One really useful piece of advice that I hadn't thought about has come from a fellow co-ordinator, Hector Goldsack, in relation to the out of office assistant on e-mail programs. If you have or use e-mail regularly and feel the need to use an automated reply for the period that you maybe on holiday, you also need to think about the possible implications of this message being given out especially with the increase in social network sites. Think about the e-mails you have had in the last month and all of them getting a reply stating your on holiday until a certain date. Steve |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 June 2010 09:38 |
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Written by Steve Ladhams
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Monday, 28 June 2010 15:04 |
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Hi, There were two incidents over the weekend where entry to the property was gained via insecure front doors, they were just pushed, or the handle pulled and entrance was gained. I appreciate it is hot weather but if you have a front door that can be opened from the outside if it isn't locked then please take extra care. There were also a few reports of a deaf male asking for money but this seems to have been a male trying to sell sketches. Please ensure ground floor windows aren't left wide open overnight. Hampshire Constabulary Press Releases
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Last Updated on Monday, 28 June 2010 15:32 |
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