Sutherland Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Warning On Free Alarm Offers

21st February 2010

Highland consumers are being 'cold called' at home with the promise of free household alarm systems. However, the offer may sound too good to be true and Highland Council Trading Standards Service are warning householders to be on their guard.

Warning goes out particularly to elderly and more vulnerable consumers who appear to have been targeted by sales staff.

Highland Council Trading Standards have received calls from concerned consumers in the East Ross area who have been promised 'free installation' if they go ahead with a home visit to get an alarm system fitted in their home. However the 'free installation' may only be available to consumers if they sign up to a lengthy and expensive 'maintenance contract'.

Highland Council Principal Trading Standards Officer, Bob Jones, advises: "I would strongly advise any householder to shop around before taking up offers such as these over the phone. Simple measures such as proper door and window locks may be all that is required for a householder to protect their property."

Highland Trading Standards reported a similar sales tactic in November 2009, when householders were being called with an offer for a free 'alarm' if they signed up to a complete alarm system.

Bob Jones said: "We are concerned that unsuspecting consumers may be caught out on the phone and agree to home visits on the promise of 'free installation' or a 'free alarm being fitted. The value of some of these contracts can be from £3,000 to £6,000."

Highland Trading Standards Officers alert public to resurgence of 'free' alarm offers

Under consumer protection legislation, consumers do have a seven day cooling off period if they enter into a contract in their own home. However although consumers should be made aware of these rights by the trader, some unscrupulous traders are omitting this information. If a business fails to leave a notice of cancellation with the consumer, informing them of their rights and how to exercise these rights, then he or she is committing a criminal offence.

Highland Council Trading Standards Service would like to hear from consumers who are concerned about cold calls they have received or the practices of salespersons who visit them at home. Consumers can contact The Highland Council, Trading Standards Service, TEC Services on 01463 228700 or by visiting or writing to: Highland Council Trading Standards, 38 Harbour Road, Inverness IV1 1UF.

For further Highland Trading Standards news please go to: www.highland.gov.uk/tradingstandardsnews

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

17/9/2018
New Chief Exec Appointed To The Highland Council - Donna MansonThumbnail for article : New Chief Exec Appointed To The Highland Council - Donna Manson
The Highland Council has appointed a new Chief Executive.  The successful candidate is Donna Manson, currently Service Director for Children and Young People in the Scottish Borders.  
8/9/2014
Energy Innovation award for CouncilThumbnail for article : Energy Innovation award for Council
The Highland Council's Energy and Sustainability team have won the best innovation prize at the annual Energy North Awards which were held in Inverness last week.   The Council has embarked on a project entitled Carbon Saving Capital Works for Council Buildings and Properties, with a specific emphasis on biomass, and in doing so has become an innovative leader in the renewable energy and low carbon sector.  
8/9/2014
Praise for top apprentice plumberThumbnail for article : Praise for top apprentice plumber
The success of an apprentice plumber from Dornoch who won the Student of the Year 2013/2014 title for SVQ 3 Domestic Plumbing 2nd Year from Inverness College has been recognised by Highland Councillors.   At the start of the recent Community Services Committee, members learned of Andrew Fraser's success and took the opportunity to congratulate him and pay tribute to the support and training given by council staff.  
Ceremony marks opening of A838 Laxford Bridge North approach roadThumbnail for article : Ceremony marks opening of A838 Laxford Bridge North approach road
A ceremony was held today (Monday) to mark completion of the 1km section of the A838 Lairg to Tongue road, north of Laxford Bridge.   The £850k scheme realigned and widened the existing single track road to a modern two-lane standard.  
29/5/2012
Sutherland blue bins and calendars delivered for new service Thumbnail for article : Sutherland blue bins and calendars delivered for new service
Over the next few weeks new blue recycling wheelie bins are to be delivered to all households in Sutherland, along with details of the new refuse and recycling service.  Households in parts of Sutherland which saw a four-weekly blue bin recycling service introduced in 2009 and so already have the bins, will be delivered new calendars and guides.  
10/6/2010
Making It Easier To Pay Council Bills
The Highland Council is to consult with the public over plans to extend the number of ways the public can pay Council bills, such as Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and rent.   A bonus for the Council is that it can save at least £400,000 per year through changing the way it collects payments.  
20/4/2010
Offenders In Community Service Clean Up
Offenders subject to community service orders across the whole of Scotland will be busy collecting litter and cleaning up local areas this weekend to support the Keep Scotland Beautiful Spring Clean campaign.   In Highland 75 offenders who are being supervised by the Criminal Justice Service within The Highland Council's Social Work Service are scheduled to take part in the first national-wide Community Service clean up event.  
28/12/2009
Golspie Office Offers New Services Under One Roof
A new public office has opened in Golspie, which offers a wide range of services under the one roof.   Olsen House is home to The Highland Council's Service Point and Money Advice Service as well as to staff of Northern Constabulary and the East Sutherland Citizens' Advice Bureau.  
23/12/2009
New Recycling Service For The New YearThumbnail for article : New Recycling Service For The New Year
Do you have an electrical item that's lost its spark? By the end of January 2010 facilities will be in place at Recycling Centres across Highland to recycle all waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).   Householders in Highland will be able to recycle any electrical item with a plug attached, or items operated by a battery.  
Council Warns On-line Buyers To Beware!
Trading Standards Officers at The Highland Council are calling on consumers to be on their guard when buying on the internet after a survey highlighted that 40% of on-line business failed to fully comply with the Law.   A recent in-depth survey has uncovered a variety of problems for consumers such as hidden costs and denial of cancellation rights.