Warning about unwanted disability aid calls

Shropshire Council’s Trading Standards officers are advising consumers to be on their guard for telephone calls from companies offering disability and mobility aids sales visits.

The warning follows a telephone call received by an 87-year-old lady in the Wem area from a company who, it is believed, were offering what were described as ‘disability vouchers’.

The lady became suspicious and arranged for her daughter to be present at the appointment the following day and, according to the information received, when the representative was told that the lady did not require his services, he became rude and abusive.

The representative is believed to drive a white Transit sized vehicle with an 07 number plate.

Paulina Poplawska, Fair Trading Officer with Shropshire Council, says:

“Under the ‘Cancellation of Contracts made in a consumer’s home or place of work etc Regulations (2008)’, you have protection when you buy goods or services from a trader on the doorstep or in the home, or at your place of work, and under certain other circumstances.

“If you change your mind about a purchase above the value of £35, you have seven calendar days to cancel the contract, and this is known as the ‘cooling-off’ period. The trader should provide details of the entitlement to cancellation along with the contract paperwork, and it’s a criminal offence not to do this.”

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said:

“We warn local residents to be wary on unsolicited telephone calls and remind people that they can register with the Telephone Preference Service to prevent unsolicited sales calls of this nature. Once registered with the TPS, it is unlawful for a business to make an unsolicited telephone call to an individual.”

For more information about consumer rights, call Consumer Direct on
08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk