'Your doorstep, your decision' - New OFT campaign warns against bogus doorstep traders

Nearly three million people have fallen victim to a rogue doorstep trader, according to new research released to coincide with the launch of the Office of Fair Trading's 'Your Doorstep, Your Decision' campaign,

While people of all ages were found to have fallen foul of the rogues, losing an average of £600, the oldest were hardest hit with those over 55 years losing almost £1100 each on average.

The research, conducted by YouGov, also found that:

• 84% of respondents said they had been approached by cold callers with 70% by energy salesmen and 47% by those offering home repairs or improvements
• Of those who were approached by doorstep sellers, 49% said they felt uncomfortable or intimidated
• People in London were the most likely to have fallen victim to a rogue doorstep trader (11%)
• Of those who had lost money to doorstep traders, 41% had to spend additional money to complete or correct the work.

While canvassing on the doorstep is not illegal and there are many legitimate businesses selling to people in the home, rogue doorstep trading is an ongoing problem. Already this year, Consumer Direct, the advice service managed by the OFT, has received almost 4,000 complaints about cold callers offering home repairs, a rise of 18% on the same period last year. The top three complaints concerned roofing, tarmacing and paving, and insulation.

While it might be tempting to agree to attractive prices being offered on the doorstep, the OFT's new campaign 'Your Doorstep Your Decision' is warning people to think twice.

Typically, rogue traders will try to find common ground with a homeowner and use deceptive and misleading claims. Some may falsely claim to be endorsed by a trade association or a local council. Victims may also be made to feel that there is a great sense of urgency in the offer, and if they don't sign up, they'll miss out.

Your Doorstep, Your Decision

To help you stay in control of your decision when confronted on your doorstep and have the confidence to say no, the OFT is encouraging people to remember the following advice:

• It's your doorstep, your decision.
• Be wary of special offers or warnings about your home
• Don't hand over a cash deposit
• Don't agree to a trader starting any work straight away
• Take time to consult with someone you trust for a second opinion, speak to friends, family or neighbours before making any decisions
• If in doubt, contact Consumer Direct (www.consumerdirect.gov.uk)

As part of the 'Your Doorstep, Your Decision' campaign, the OFT will be distributing over seven million leaflets to householders across Britain. The OFT is also launching new radio and TV adverts showing how to resist the persuasive sales tactics used by rogue doorstep traders. The campaign is being run in partnership with local authority Trading Standards Services and other consumer facing bodies.

Unfortunately, we have heard reports of inappropriate sales tactics used within our industry, with people selling independent living products for over-inflated prices or to people who may not need them. To ensure you make the right decision when buying items such as ours we have put together a quick checklist.

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