High pressure mobility aids sales warning – Ringmaster message

THIS is a Ringmaster message from Thames Valley Police: High Pressure Sales calls by a Mobility Aids company.
Trading Standards has received a number of complaints from residents in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse about the sales tactics of a mobility products company that makes initial contact with vulnerable, elderly and disabled people by telephone. During the call the impression is given that the caller is from “social services” and is calling to arrange an assessment of needs visit.

When the visit is agreed to, a high pressure sales visit will take place at the resident’s home. This visit will often last a number of hours, The end result is that resident’s often sign agreements for the supply of expensive mobility equipment.

Oxfordshire Social Services Access team has confirmed that it does not approach clients by telephone in the way this company behaves

If anyone receives such a telephone call the advice of Trading Standards is not to accept a visit. If a visit is accepted, a resident is at liberty, at any time to insist that the salesman leaves. Failure to do so, upon request, could cause the salesman to commit a criminal offence. If a salesman will not leave upon request, residents can call Trading Standards between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 0845 051 0845 (option 1) or the police outside those hours on 08458 505 505 or 999 for an immediate response.

If an agreement is signed the customer will still have 7 days to cancel the agreement and get their money back. Trading Standards can advise on this process.

Message Ends.