PEOPLE in Warrington are being urged not to give out personal details over the phone after a spate of sales calls offering alarm systems.
Warrington Borough Council Public Protection Service says householders throughout the town have received the cold calls in which the caller tries to secure an appointment.
Similar calls were reported earlier this year and as on the previous occasion reports are that the caller may offer inducements to secure an appointment. These may include saying the alarm system is free of charge or comes at present with no installation cost.
But officers warn that there may be a catch and warn people to take care before inviting unknown traders into their home. They say the people who are interested in buying an alarm should obtain quotes from at least three reputable companies.
Anyone who takes up an offer following a cold call should be given in writing the right to cancel the contract within seven days – a “cooling off period.” If people are not given this information in writing the trader cannot enforce the contract.
Free advice about home security is available from Cheshire Police crime reduction advisors on 01244 613862.
Anyone who wants to reduce the number of unwanted sales calls they receive can register free with the Telephone Preference Service on 0800 398893 or at www.tpsonline.org.uk
