Trading standards warning about a bogus caller

26 May 2015

Aberdeen City Council Trading Standards team is investigating a report concerning a Bridge of Don resident who received an unsolicited visit from a trader claiming to be doing warranty work for Thermal Coatings Ltd of Glasgow, a company which is currently in liquidation. 

After gaining entry, the trader identified further work costing £1,700 and insisted that the resident went to the bank that day to withdraw the money whilst they waited in the house.

Thanks to the vigilance of the staff at a branch of the TSB who called Trading Standards, the consumer did not withdraw the money and was accompanied home by Trading Standards officers in the hope of identifying the business and individuals involved.

However, they had left the resident's home by the time Trading Standards got there and their identity remains unknown. No paperwork was given to the resident, nor was the resident informed of their cancellation rights, making any contract unenforceable.

Graeme Paton, Team Leader, Trading Standards, Aberdeen City Council, said: "Residents should be wary of such cold callers and bear in mind it is their front door and they can ask the trader to leave at any time which, legally, the trader must do.

"Although we would warn against doing so, if work is agreed in the consumer's home following a cold call then the consumer should be provided with a written contract detailing exactly what work the trader is being contracted to carry out, along with the cost and a 14-day cancellation notice. Failing to give a notice of cancellation rights for contracts over £42 is an offence."

Trading Standards is keen to hear from any resident that could have also fallen victim to this bogus trader and who may have further information that could assist their inquiries. Residents should call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service National Advice line on 08454 04 05 06.