WATCH OUT FOR THIS DOORSTEP CON!!!
Your HHNF website has been made aware of DOORSTEP CON MEN operating in the area.

'Cowboy' builders and bogus callers have conned money from local residents claiming to be 'doing work elsewhere in the area' and that they 'have noticed that urgent work is needed to your property'. Should you let them carry out any work it will not be completed to a very high standard and it is possible that the actual price charged will double that of the original quotation.

"You've got a loose tile on your roof'
"I'm doing a survey"
"I advise on security/home safety"
"I'm from the Council/Gas Board/Electric Company"
"I've over ordered and was wondering"
"We were working next door when we noticed "
"You have definitely won a prize "
"We are only in your area this week"
"Can you help with market research "
"We're looking for show houses"
"I'm selling on behalf of '
ALL of the above have been used by doorstep con men as an introduction.
They may be trying to sell goods or services you don't want
or need.
Each year many complaints are received by Trading Standard Departments from people who have made expensive mistakes when dealing with doorstep con men.
These mistakes sometimes involve many thousands of pounds.

DO
·Check the identity of the caller by asking to see an ID Card
Take the card - SHUT the door - phone and CHECK!
·Challenge anyone looking over your property - DID you give permission?
·Consider if you really need the work done. Think before you decide. Shop around for the best deal.
·Ask the caller to leave you with information to study at your leisure
·Remember you should be given a right to cancel after 'COLD Calling'

DON'T
·Believe ALL callers are genuine
·Believe the 'scare stories' a salesman may tell you - they are rarely TRUE
·Believe genuine tarmac companies have 'loads over' they don't!
·Believe a cash deal is easier and cheaper
·Sign anything until you are sure about it
·Believe special deals 'Today Only' - Its high pressure selling!

YOUR RIGHTS
If you pay over £35 for goods or services as a result of an uninvited visit or telephone call:
a) you have 7 days to cancel the agreement,
b) the salesperson must give you a written cancellation form setting out your rights.
If you agree to a visit after the seller rings you up or sends someone round to ask if he or she can visit, you still have the right to cancel within seven days.
if you contact a firm and request a visit then you do not receive this
protection. With credit and hire agreements the rules differ in that it does not matter if the trader was invited or not, you still have 5 days to cancel'

BEWARE!
It can sometimes be difficult to say NO! Doorstep sellers are often trained in high pressure sales techniques. They can be very persuasive.
You can always say "I DO NOT BUY GOODS FROM SALESMEN" and close
the door.

ALWAYS ASK YOURSELF
Do I want it?
Would I normally have bought it?
Have I compared prices?
What if it goes wrong?
Do I know The Seller?
Can I afford it?
Can I contact the Seller again?
Do I Have any Cancellation rights?

DON'T MAKE CONMEN RICHER BY GIVING THEM YOUR MONEY
A GOOD SALESMAN WILL ALWAYS WAIT!!!

If the person won't go away say you will call the police and do so if they refuse to leave,
JUST DIAL 999
The Police are very worried by these sorts of con tricks AND will take your complaint seriously.