Telephone remote selling and possible scams

Telephone sales cold calling can be a nuisance and sometimes intimidating to the recipients.

Most firms taking part in this activity are legitimate; however there are a number of scams that use the same methods.

Over the last few months one Salisbury resident received call from a firm offering a service that did not exist, which took a fee, and then repeatedly phoned the person demanding large sums of money be wired to fictitious people, with threats of legal action to be taken against him. Fortunately no further payment was made but the whole process was very stressful.

Residents are reminded that it is wise not to pass bank card details over the phone unless it is for a service you have asked for, and from a firm that you trust.

Remote selling demands that you be allowed a period to cancel any agreement without penalty, and a legitimate firm should send you paperwork outlining any contract you are entering into to your home address.

Good practice is to have details posted to your home for you to study, and for you to then approach the firm if you are happy with the contract.

If you have doubts over anyone offering services to you, either over the phone, or by calling at your door, then seek advice from family, the internet, Trading Standards or local police on 101.

Source: Latest from Wiltshire Police Full Story.