2007
As the switch over to Digital TV approaches in Copeland, Consumer Direct urges consumers to be vigilant and watch out for opportunist rogue traders offering to install new equipment when it may not be required.
Digital UK is the independent non profit making orgainsation set up by the broadcasters to implement digital switchover. Consumers can phone 084550 50 50 for free technical advice or 0800 519 2021 for the help scheme to establish whether you will qualify for a grant, for the installation of new equipment.
Consumer Direct has put together the following list of tips to help consumers protect themselves against disreputable traders as the digital switchover approaches:
- Beware of door step salesmen offering to sell discounted goods and services, charge extortionate prices and requesting money up front before the work is completed. If you have any concerns about the trader at your door then just give us a call.
- Request ID from door step callers- No-one from Digital UK will call at your home. If they are from the Help Scheme they will not call without making an appointment and will carry identification.
- Remember if a consumer signs a contract at home as a result of an unsolicited visit then they may have the right to a seven day cooling off period, during which they may cancel an agreement to buy goods or services worth more than £35 from a trader whose visit is unsolicited (ie, not requested by the consumer).
- The same right to a seven day cooling off period applies where a visit by a trader follows an unsolicited doorstep or telephone approach.
- Consider getting written quotes (not estimates) from at least three traders.
- If you are buying goods or services relating to the digital switch over costing more than £100, consider paying by credit card, as you may be able to claim your money back from the card company if the trader fails to honor the contract.
Anyone experiencing problems with traders, or needing further advice can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
