“Free” burglar alarm scam
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Alert. This information has been sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards
Message sent by
Rhodri Williams (Nottinghamshire County Council, Trading Standards Officer, Notts)
We have received information that a rogue trader is currently targeting Nottinghamshire residents, making telephone calls claiming to offer “free” intruder alarms.
The caller sometimes claims to be from a Crime Prevention organisation. On some occasions they claim to be responding to a recent crime or incident.
They arrange a home visit then use hard sell tactics to sign people up to expensive alarm monitoring contracts.
The trader is known to particularly target elderly and vulnerable people.
Trading Standards never recommend employing a trader based on a cold call. We also recommend that you research any company that you are planning to do business with before allowing them to arrange a sales visit.
If you are suspicious of a cold caller operating in your area please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06.
You can reduce the number of unwanted cold telephone calls by signing up for free with the Telephone Preference Service online at www.tpsonline.org.uk or by telephoning 08450 700 707.