To help you avoid becoming a victim of doorstep criminals, scam mail and unwanted phone calls, Trading Standards have a few simple tips to follow.

Doorstep Callers offering most goods or services valued at over £35.00 should provide you with a 7 day cancellation period in writing. A recent change to the law means that you will be able to cancel any contract made while in your home; this applies to both cold callers and businesses you invite to call.

Always carefully consider any offer that is made to you at your door. If you are told work needs to be done on your property take extra care. There are very few jobs around the house that need to be done immediately. Do not be pressurised into making an instant decision.

Call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk [4]  for further advice or to report any details that have been taken e.g. descriptions of the caller(s) vehicle details/registrations, phone numbers.

Check out the Buy with Confidence Scheme for details of approved traders you can trust at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk  or by ringing Trading Standards on 01233 652385

Scam Mail

Scam mail could be mail order catalogues, letters asking for your assistance in transferring money, letters telling you that you have won a prize in a draw or offering to tell you your future. Never respond as it could increase the amount of scam mail that you will get. Dispose of it in your recycling bag remembering to remove any personal information.

Unwanted Mail

By registering with the Mail Preference Service it is possible to reduce the amount that is received. It is a free service. It is unlikely that this will stop any mailings from abroad.

Mailing Preference Service
DMA House
70 Margaret Street
London
W1W 8SS

Tel 0845 703 4599

www.mpsonline.org.uk [5]

Unwanted Telephone Calls

Register with the Telephone Preference Service to reduce the number of unwanted calls. It is unlikely to stop calls coming from outside the UK.

Telephone Preference Service
DMA House
70 Margaret Street
London
W1W 8SS

Tel 0845 070 0707

www.tpsonline.org.uk [6]

The Smart Guide to Scams - How to deal with doorstep criminals, scam mail and unwanted phone calls

To get a copy email tsadvice@kent.gov.uk

or view it on line at

http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent/documents/AE%20factsheets/The%20smart%20guide%20to%20scams.pdf

Visit the website at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent  to find out more about what they do.