Say no to cold callers

Published Thursday, 5th September 2019

Hartlepool residents have been urged not to have any dealings with cold callers offering landscaping and driveways services.

 The warning follows two incidents currently under investigation where vulnerable elderly householders have been approached by the same individual who has proceeded to undertake extremely expensive, poor quality work.  

Ian Harrison, Hartlepool Borough Council's Trading Standards and Licensing Manager said: “Our advice is, and always has been, to not deal with any cold callers who come round trying to sell goods or services such as roof repairs, patios or other building work.

"Today we are reminding everyone of this following the receipt of two complaints about work completed in recent weeks by the same trader. The work has been expensive and is to a very poor standard.

“We are doing what we can to stop this trader quickly but, in the meantime or advice is to say ‘No Thanks’ to any uninvited callers and close the door.

"If you are in need of work to be done, ask friends or relatives for recommendations and always get several quotes. Never agree to get work done on someone’s first visit and don’t simply trust an official looking business card.”

Anyone wanting a ‘No Cold Caller’ sticker can visit the Council’s Civic Centre or call Trading Standards on (01429) 523362.