How do I know if a trader is a rogue trader?
If you want to buy goods or services, check out the firm or
business you are thinking of using before handing over any money to
them.
Go to the Office of Fair Trading website to
find a trustworthy tradesperson or business who is a member of a
trade body with an approved code of practice.
If
you are thinking of buying a product or a service, get advice first
on the Consumer Direct website.
How do I avoid being a victim of a scam?
Many people have lost money after being taken in by a scam.
There are hundreds of different types of scam and so it is
important to be on your guard all the time. The golden rule
applies: if it seems too good to be true it very probably
is.
Find out how to
protect yourself against scams on the Consumer Direct
website.
Download a leaflet to find out more about avoiding scams.
If you think a product or service you are being offered is a
scam, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for
help and advice.
You can also contact Doncaster Council Trading Standards,
email:
trading.standards@doncaster.gov.uk ,
telephone 01302 737529 or 737590, or
visit the Doncaster Council Trading Standards website.
Door step sellers
Did you know that if you spend more than £35 with a trader in
your home, in most cases you have 7 days to change your mind and
cancel. Your right to cancel should be given to you in
writing by the trader.
If you’re not given this information, they can’t hold you to
anything in the contract.
If you decide to cancel you must let the trader know in writing
within 7 days of being told about your right to cancel.
Always think carefully before you agree to have any work done or
goods delivered within the 7 days, as you might have to pay if you
then decide to cancel.
Traders who display the joint Direct Selling
Association and Office
of Fair Trading Approved code logo
should offer reliable customer service. A leaflet detailing more
information on the code can be found here.
For more information call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or
visit http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/
Loan Sharks
Are loan sharks making your life a misery? Find out what to do
about them here.