Rogue trader warning issued to elderly and disabled

Rob and fellow Reading MP Alok Sharma are warning constituents to be on their guard against unscrupulous traders that sell mobility aids on the doorstep.

The MPs are supporting the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT’s) campaign to raise awareness of this issue.

Mobility aids are products that are used by the elderly or disabled such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and walk-in baths. These items are often sold to vulnerable people in their home.

Consumer Direct, the OFT-managed advice service attracts a large number of calls from people complaining or asking for advice about mobility aids and in 2010, over 4,500 such calls were made.

Rob said: “Mobility aids are important products for elderly and disabled people, which can significantly improve the quality of their lives. For many, they are an absolute necessity. We are supporting the OFT’s campaign for consumers to become more aware of the risks of doorstep sellers and the tricks they use to get people to agree to buy products that they may be able to purchase at a cheaper price elsewhere.”

Alok added: “The OFT offers some practical tips on how people can avoid being scammed by rogue doorstep traders and the key thing is not to be forced into making any snap decisions which you may afterwards regret.”

The OFT advises: 

• Do not make snap decisions. Take time to talk to someone you trust before you make a decision.

• Shop around. Compare pricing and information on the various options available to you so that you are not over-charged.

• Even if you invite a trader into your home, you should still be on the watch out. Consider asking a friend or family member to be with you when the trader visits you in the home.

For advice on doorstep selling, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040 506 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/consumer or www.oft.gov.uk/doorstepselling

- Ends -

Notes to Editors

1. The Office of Fair Trading’s awareness campaign encourages its target audience of UK residents with a disability to be aware of the risks of rogue doorstep traders and have the confidence to refuse on the spot purchases.

2. Consumer Direct is the government-funded telephone service offering information and advice on consumer issues. Consumer Direct is funded by the OFT and delivered in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services. For information or advice contact 08454 04 05 06 or see www.direct.gov.uk/consumer