Posted on Wednesday 7th December 2011
Staffordshire Trading Standards wish to advise vulnerable residents and their carers to beware of any mobility company cold calling residents and purporting to be or acting on behalf of Social Services while attempting to make an appointment for a representative to visit.
Past reports received suggest that calls often follow the same pattern:
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Continually telephone customers until they agree to be visited.
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Advise customers that they are connected to Social Services or other voluntary or Public Health organisations.
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Arrange a time to visit but turn up earlier or later than arranged.
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Arrive unannounced the day after the scheduled visit.
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Pressure customer to purchase large pieces of equipment such as stair lifts or beds. Often the equipment is not suitable for the customers needs.
Residents are advised to never engage with cold callers of any nature e.g. telephone, face to face, letter or email. Trading Standards would advise you to discuss with your family and Health and Social Service professionals what your mobility needs are.
Trading Standards would also advise that when making major purchases consumers should attempt to obtain quotes in writing from reputable companies.
No Staffordshire resident should feel pressured into make any commitment to purchase expensive mobility equipment before seeking professional Health and Social Care advice. If you are unsure and have a named or key worker please contact them for advice before making any decision to purchase expensive mobility equipment.
Please Note: These reports are provided in PDF format - Acrobat Reader software| is required in order to read them.
Mobility Sales Cold Caller Warning 241kb|