OFT say ignore cold callers

Thu, 12 Sep 2019

The Office of Fair Trading is advising residents not to employ traders who make unsolicited visits to their homes offering to do home improvements, as cold calling is illegal on the Island.

In a statement, the OFT says: ‘Householders approached by unscrupulous traders, who cold-call, are often persuaded to accept their offer because they initially appear to be cheaper than genuine traders and can begin work immediately.

‘These types of traders can be very persistent, pestering householders into having unnecessary work done and have even been known to take their victims to the bank to secure payment. They may offer special deals, do not readily take no for an answer and may carry out poor quality work using sub-standard materials.’

Friends, neighbours and relatives of the elderly and vulnerable should make them aware that cold-calling is illegal.