Posted on Wednesday 23rd October 2019
Rogue trader warning after reports of mattresses sold from the back of a van
Residents in Newcastle-under-Lyme are being warned not to buy mattresses from the back of a van in the town.
The warning from Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team, follows a report that a trader selling mattresses from the back of a van was spotted in the area yesterday (Tuesday, 22 October).
This particular scam was first highlighted by Jeremy Vine on his BBC Radio 2 show in 2014. Listeners across the country revealed that they had been tricked into buying used or fake mattresses from rogue traders selling out of the back of their vans.
The Local Government Association also issued warnings over the scam, revealing many of the mattresses had been imported without the proper safety certificates.
Gill Heath, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said:
“We’re reminding people not to buy mattresses or other goods from the back of a van. This is an old scam, where customers are led to believe they are getting a bargain when they are actually buying something that’s usually not fit for purpose and dangerous.
“Mattresses are required to meet strict safety laws to ensure they are safe to bring into your home and investigations in the past have found that in many cases this is not the case.
“Our Trading Standards advice is simple and its to say no to all cold callers and traders approaching you on the street or at your home. It’s always best to buy from a reputable retailer. And remember those famous words, If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“Please look out for and warn elderly/vulnerable family, friends and neighbours."
Anyone who spots a cold caller should report them to Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06