2008
The tactics used by some telephone cold callers can sometimes leave you bewildered or pressured into buying things you neither want nor need, but there are ways to get the upper hand, advises Consumer Direct.
Last year, the government advice service received over 15,000 complaints about telephone cold callers. The highest number concerned mobile phone contract sales, but the service also received complaints about timeshare, insurance, double glazing and home improvement sellers.
Michele Shambrook, Operations Manager for Consumer Direct said:
'Cold calling isn't against the law, but callers can sometimes ring at the most inconvenient times and if you're caught out you can agree to things you later regret. The good news is that you often have cancellation rights so it's worth checking where you stand.'
Consumer Direct has put together the following list of tips for dealing with cold calls:
If you want to reduce the number of cold calls that you receive, consider registering with the Telephone Preference Service by calling 0845 070 0707 or visiting the website at www.tpsonline.org.uk
Be wary of agreeing to contracts over the phone. If you are interested in the offer, ask for details to be sent to you so you can consider them in your own time.
If you do agree to a contract, make sure you know who you are dealing with and how to get hold of them. Ask for a name, phone number, address and written confirmation.
If you agree to a contract you later regret, you will generally have seven days after you receive written confirmation to cancel. If you don't receive this confirmation in writing, you may have up to three months.
If you don't know who you're dealing with, never divulge any personal financial information.
Further information on your rights is available by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visiting the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
