The dodgy damp-proof brigade is at work in the borough again, warn the borough’s Trading Standards chiefs.
Wigan Council has joined forces with other Trading Standards offices and police from across the North West to investigate the activities of a business which cold calls households offering a ‘free damp survey’.
The callers have been using several business names, including: Nationwide Property Protection, Home Improvement Advisory Service and Britannia Home Improvements.
Up to now Trading Standards officers have received complaints from residents in Swinley, Ince, Golborne, Leigh and other parts of the borough.
Wigan Council’s Chief Trading Standards Officer Alan Blundell explains: “A typical scenario involves the householder getting a phone call offering them a free check. If this is accepted a ‘surveyor’ calls and carries out an inspection with a damp meter.
“This often registers that damp is present, even if this is not the case.”
A price is then given for the work which is far above the market rate.
“The householder is often told they could get a discount if they agree to having the work done on the spot,” adds Alan. “The salesman will then call the office to see if this is possible and surprise, surprise, it always is.”
Once the householder signs the agreement the work is carried out very quickly giving them no time to re-consider.
In many cases the householders say that during the initial phone call the company will suggest they are linked to the council. They will give the householder a ‘security code’ which the surveyor will repeat in a bid to reassure the householder that the company is genuine.
The advice from Trading Standards is clear as Alan says: “Never agree to having any work done until you have got a number of quotes. This way you can be sure the work is necessary and that you have got a good price.”
Mr Blundell adds: “Anyone who signs a contract for work to be done in their home is entitled to a cooling off period if they did not invite the trader to call.”
“Even when the trader has rung and made an appointment customers still have the right to a cooling off period of seven days during which they can cancel. The trader must put these cancellation rights in writing.”
The company in question frequently changes its name and is known to be active across the North West.
Trading Standards is keen to hear from anyone who may have been contacted by this firm and you can do so by calling the Consumer Direct number on 08454 04 05 06.
Notes to Editors
For more information contact Wigan Council Chief Trading Standards Officer Alan Blundell on 01942 828183.
