Mobility Aids Rogue Traders
This is a message from Neighbourhood Alert Information sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards
Message sent by
David Brocklebank (Nottinghamshire County Council, Trading Standards Officer, Nottinghamshire)
Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team is warning people of unscrupulous traders that are in the area selling mobility aids on the doorstep.
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.
Rogue traders often use a range of persuasive and emotional tactics to secure a fast sale and con people out of their money, for example you are made to feel that there is a great urgency in the offer and that if you don’t sign up now, you will miss out.
Trading Standards offers the following advice on how people can avoid being scammed by rogue traders selling mobility aids:
- Never buy any products on the doorstep from a trader who turns up uninvited.
- Make sure you get everything in writing, especially any incentives such as discounts or free offers.
- Find out if the trader you are considering buying from is a member of a trade association, such as the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA). The BHTA has a code of practice that has been approved by the Office of Fair Trading under the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.
The Nottinghamshire County Council website has more information if you wish to find out more about buying mobility aids.
If you or someone you know has been subjected to high pressure selling or have been misled by a trader please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06 for further advice.