Cold Callers:

White-Lining

We have received reports of cold calling traders approaching Parish councils purporting to be from the local council that have been painting white lines on roads and have material left over. They have said to be quoting one price and then charging another.

Please note that these traders are NOT from a Borough or District council.

Will Writing

Please be aware of a cold calling trader offering a will writing service for £100. Reports suggest that once inside and the sales pitch actually starts there is pressure applied to the resident to also set up additional services such as power of attorney, trust funds and the like thus costing the client £1000's!

Kitchen Equipment & Knives

We have received reports of cold calling traders in the Godalming area knocking on doors trying to selling expensive knives and kitchen utensils costing £1000's and demanding payment in Euros, but offering no paperwork or cancellation rights.

Landscaping / Roof Cleaning etc

We have received reports of cold calling traders offering these services in the Warlingham and Walton areas. Also in the Normandy area traders are approaching people in the street offering property maintenance. 

Alarm Company

Over the past few months we have continuously received reports of traders selling alarm systems door to door. This seems a Surrey-wide problem and with varying sales tactics. Sometimes claims are made that they are working and are registered with the Police, others are more like scare tactics claiming that the resident is living in a high crime area. In any event high pressured sales tactics are used and lies told!

You may remember from a previous TS Alert that we confirmed that Group One Security had gone into liquidation and some consumers with these alarm systems are being contacted by a new monitoring company who will try to sell you a new contract.

We suggest that you take your time and get several quotes and ensure that that what you are signing meets your needs.

It would be advisable to consider if you want to pay an up-front free in addition to a monthly contract. (NB A large up-front fee may be lost should a company go into liquidation)

Surrey Police may be able to assist in offering free, independent advice via one of their Crime Reduction Advisors - please call 101 to enquire!

Our advice is to NEVER deal with doorstep traders.

Do not invite them in or offer to buy products at the door as they can be very persuasive!

Try using our No Cold Calling Sticker to deter them and to remind yourself to say NO to doorstep callers!

Please report these or similar instances to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

The Police can also be contacted on 101 or in an emergency 999.

Playstation 4 testers scam (Facebook)

This scam is hugely viral at the moment and being shared like crazy. The page has garnered almost 30 thousand likes, and

the photo has been shared over 65 thousand times.

"I’m very stoked about the ps4!!

I wanna be a beta tester for the system >_<

Sony needs testers for the new PlayStation 4. You will get to keep the new PS4 after you’ve tested it.

We will contact the winners through Facebook.

If you want to be a tester for the new PS4, you must share this photo and like our page. We will choose people at random

in 1 week."

Never complete surveys to unlock videos or other content on Facebook.... Scammers use these tricks to either spread

malware, obtain personal identification or earn commissions from marketing companies.

Don’t pad their pocket and possibly open yourself up to harm!

Recalls

Wilko 180 capsule 2mg garlic capsules

Item code: 0330027

Wilkinsons have recently become aware that the above product is wrongly labelled 'suitable for vegetarians and vegans'.

The product contains gelatin of animal origin. Consequently it is not suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Please note that in all other respects this product remains safe.

If you do not wish to continue to use the product please return to the store for a refund.

Argos have issued a product safety warning!

Four items from their wood and canvas range sold between 19th January and 22nd March 2013 should be returned as a

recautionary measure. Although extremely unlikely, a very small number of items ...may have insects in the timber used for

he products sold within this period. The insects are not harmful and pose no risk to you or your property.

Please return the following products to store for a full refund or an alternative product.

904/7370 Navy 4 drawer storage unit

875/5821 Chocolate and cream 4 drawer storage unit

901/9889 Cream triple wardrobe

901/9755 Cream double wardrobe

Hoover is recalling some Fridge Freezers because the defrost heating element can overheat and may catch fire.

If you have one of the affected fridge freezers Hoover advises that you turn it off and do not use it until it has been repaired. 

This recall affects 5 Hoover fridge freezer models. They were made between August 2011 and August 2012. Hoover has not said how many fridge freezers they are recalling.

You can contact Hoover on 08081 780 516.

Alternatively you can check your product on the Hoover recall web page at Hoover Fridge Freezer Recall

The affected model numbers are:-

HNC6185A

HNC6185AE

HNC6185W

HNC6185WE

HNC6200A

HNC6200WE

To check if you have one of the affected Hoover fridge freezers you will need to find the Model Name, Product Code and Date Code. These can be found on a label behind the salad crisper draw.