Trading Standards Consumer Alerts - July 2025

Good morning Residents 

Please find attached the Consumer Alerts for July 2025 sent from our partners at Trading Standards. Please share to any partners, friends and family with the very useful contact numbers of reporting. 

Relevant to our area. 

This week we have had reports of doorstep pedlars in the Whitefrair Close area of Ingol. The report that an ex-prisoner was going house to house asking for work and when refused became aggressive and pushy. We have previously had ex convicts attempting to mend their ways however sometimes are not part of any recognised rehabilitation scheme. Whilst it is appreciated not all doorstep pedlars behave in this manner and may well be trying to make a living, please be careful. 

Please warn your neighbours, particularly elderly or vulnerable neighbours, not to open the door to strangers or buy or sell on the doorstep. Some doorstep callers may offer poor quality goods at inflated prices and if a caller is not genuine, they may be gathering information for future crime.

Buying from door-to-door salespeople who claim to be ex-convicts can be risky for several reasons. Firstly, while many individuals reintegrate successfully into society after serving time, the lack of proper vetting or licensing in some cases may make these salespeople more susceptible to unethical practices.
 

There’s also the potential for scams, as some ex-convicts may use their past as a way to gain sympathy or trust, lowering the guard of potential buyers. Additionally, without any formal oversight or company guarantees, there’s no way to ensure that the products they’re selling are legitimate, high-quality, or even delivered as promised.

Finally, if the sales process feels aggressive or high-pressure, it could indicate that the person is more focused on closing a sale than on providing a quality product or service. Say no to doorstep sellers.

PC Jenny, PCSO Jules

Take Care

Report scam emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk.  Report scam texts by forwarding to 7726. 

Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133