Hotline launched in bid to stop rogue salesmen
By Martin Chapman on Tuesday, 3rd July 2001.
TRADING Standards officers from across the Eastern region joined forces yesterday, to launch a hotline to crackdown on rogue traders and workmen who prey on vulnerable members of the community.
The line will provide residents, who have purchased goods or services on the doorstep with consumer advice. All calls made to the line will be logged so that Trading Standards officers and the Police can build up picture of who the rogue traders are and how they go about it.
Executive committee member of Suffolk County Council, Peter Monk, welcomed the move saying "The Doorstep Hotline means residents can get back-up when they are targeted by doorstep traders. It will enable us to keep a track of cowboy builders and itinerant sellers, and what they are doing"
Trading Standards officers reinforced the message that everyone can do their bit in the battle against rogue traders reporting anything suspicious to the hotline. Common scams include over priced and poor quality drive resurfacing, home improvements and security systems. Bogus officials from energy and water companies also cause many problems.
Police have emphasised the need for people to be on their guard after a number of elderly people in Haverhill have been conned by people claiming to be from the water or gas board and have succeeded in stealing money.
The hotline's number which is charged at local rates is 0845 60 444 66.
The line will provide residents, who have purchased goods or services on the doorstep with consumer advice. All calls made to the line will be logged so that Trading Standards officers and the Police can build up picture of who the rogue traders are and how they go about it.
Executive committee member of Suffolk County Council, Peter Monk, welcomed the move saying "The Doorstep Hotline means residents can get back-up when they are targeted by doorstep traders. It will enable us to keep a track of cowboy builders and itinerant sellers, and what they are doing"
Trading Standards officers reinforced the message that everyone can do their bit in the battle against rogue traders reporting anything suspicious to the hotline. Common scams include over priced and poor quality drive resurfacing, home improvements and security systems. Bogus officials from energy and water companies also cause many problems.
Police have emphasised the need for people to be on their guard after a number of elderly people in Haverhill have been conned by people claiming to be from the water or gas board and have succeeded in stealing money.
The hotline's number which is charged at local rates is 0845 60 444 66.
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