Trading Standards alert: Is cold calling illegal?

Whilst 'cold calling' is not illegal, Trading Standards is advising that the best response is to firmly say no to cold callers, with confirmation that doorstep selling or cold calling is not illegal following a number of resident queries.

Whatever services are being offered at the door, it is important to note that, when dealing with doorstep traders, there is a risk of receiving poor quality work, being substantially overcharged, and difficulty to get any redress or comeback. Residents in need of a tradesman to undertake work are advised to follow the steps below:

Don't:

• Don't deal with traders at the door.
• Don't contact traders via leaflets that are delivered through the door - without making thorough checks beforehand.
• Don't pay large sums of money in advance - schedule payment as works progress.
• Don't be rushed into deciding - seek advice first from someone you trust.

Do:

• Do get a minimum of 3 written quotes - prepare a clear detailed brief beforehand.
• Do seek references, read reliable reviews, ask to visit previous jobs.
• Do check directly with any reputable organisation named or whose logo is shown on a leaflet/website to make sure the trader is affiliated - if not, report to Bromley Trading Standards.
• Do get a contract in writing before works commence. Check the terms and conditions. You should be entitled to a 14-day cooling off period - with full written cancellation information and not just a mention on a leaflet or a tick box to say you agree.
• Do check and verify a trader's insurance.

Residents seeking a trader for home maintenance work are strongly advised and encouraged to carefully select the right trader for the job. Consider finding a reputable trader via Trading Standards Checked, Bromley's trader approval scheme consisting of traders who have been vetted and approved, so that residents can hire with confidence.

Report

Protect yourself and others by reporting incidents.

If you, a neighbour, or someone you know is being affected by rogue traders, please contact our Rapid Response line on 07903 852090.

If the cold caller is persistent and refuses to leave, you can call police on 999.

Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website.

Bromley Trading Standards

To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.

Bromley Trading Standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.