Don’t be fooled by alarm scam

Rochdale Borough Council and the police are urging residents to be on their guard against bogus callers trying to sell them fake alarm systems.

The council has been alerted to the scam by police following a number of reports from residents that alarm companies using dubious selling techniques are operating in the borough.

These bogus companies are making initial contact by telephoning residents to arrange home visits unlike typical bogus callers that turn up on your doorstep. This tactic has helped their business appear more legitimate.

In some cases, residents have been persuaded to sign up for an alarm system by businesses claiming that the system had been endorsed by the police, fire service or the home office, which is untrue. Subsequently, these residents have been misled into thinking that the system was going to be free or provided at a heavily discounted cost, but once the installation had finished they were issued a hefty bill.

Michaela Monk, Principal Trading Standards Officer at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Residents can take some simple actions to protect themselves. Avoid buying from cold callers. Only use bonafide companies that have been recommended by a friend, neighbour or people you know. However, if you do accept services make sure you get written notice of your right to cancel. And always try to get other quotes from other reputable traders rather than making an impulsive purchase.”

Trading standards have the following advice for residents to spare them the risk of being conned:

• If you are considering getting an alarm make sure you do a bit of research first - ring several businesses and get quotes and find out exactly what you will get for your money.
• Never sign anything to agree to work starting within the 7-day cooling off period. As a consumer you have the right by law to cancel most contracts within this period.
• If a business claims their alarms are monitored ask them if they are registered with either the NSI or SSAIB (independent inspection bodies for alarm companies) and ask for proof of this.
• The business will also need to be registered with the police so you can ask to see their police agreement form.
• If they cannot produce any of this information don’t deal with them.

Jackie Bell, Crime Reduction Advisor for the Rochdale Division of Greater Manchester Police, added: “These types of callers have been known to put pressure on residents to buy their alarm systems. My advice is not to buy from cold callers and politely put the phone down. If you decide you want an alarm then get advice on reputable companies in your area by calling the National Security Industry on 01628 637 7512 or the Security Systems Alarm Inspection Board on 0191 296 3242.”

“The only way for us to stamp out this type of menace from Rochdale borough is to make sure our residents are well informed about the risks of cold calling and what they can do to prevent themselves becoming victims. It’s easy, just say no to cold callers - if an offer sounds too good to be true it often is;” advises Dale Mulgrew, cabinet member responsible for community safety at Rochdale Borough Council.

For advice on home security call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or visit http://www.gmp.police.uk/mainsite/pages/homesecurity.htm

Residents with concerns about ‘cold callers’ can contact Consumer Direct, the national consumer advice line, on 08454 04 05 06.