LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM
PR433
29 February 2008
Scam Sales Alert
Lewisham Council is warning local consumers to be on their guard after a series of sales, or ‘auction’ scammers have targeted the borough.
Rogue traders, eager to make a quick and easy profit, have been hiring sports clubs and halls around the borough and holding ‘one day only’ sales. The goods on sale are often not described accurately, are faulty, frequently of poor quality, and in some cases dangerous.
These ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ traders use questionable sales techniques, with consumers finding themselves locked inside the premises whilst the ‘sale’ takes places. Apart from being illegal and an infringement of civil liberties, it also poses a health and safety risk.
Consumers have found that if they complain about the goods they have purchased while still on the premises, they are often ignored or worse, intimidated until they drop the complaint.
There is no ‘get your money back’ guarantee because they won’t be there next week.
Councillor Susan Wise, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: “With seemingly ‘too good to be true’ bargains like those on offer at these ‘one day sales’ or ‘auctions’ it can be tempting to go for a bargain. But it’s a false economy.
“These people will sell you shoddy goods and, if you complain, intimidate you until you shut up. Who should have to put up with that kind of behaviour? As a consumer you have rights.”
“I strongly urge people not to be tempted by these ‘bargain’ goods – go to a reputable company where your consumer rights will be protected.”
What should you do?
If you are a consumer and receive a leaflet advertising a ‘next day’ or ‘one day only’ sale contact Lewisham Council’s Trading Standards Hotline on 020 8314 7759. All calls will be treated in confidence.
DO NOT be tempted, no matter how much a bargain seems to be on offer.
If you are a business or organisation with a hall available for hire and you are approached about making a booking DO NOT ACCEPT IT. Holding ‘sales’ such as these are ILLEGAL unless you are registered to do so and you could face a fine of £5,000.00
You could also find yourself receiving a backlash from disgruntled consumers looking for their money back from a sale held on your premises. These rogue traders often provide bogus phone numbers and addresses and you will have no means of taking action against them.
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Has anybody had any experience of these in Sydenham? Let us know too if you are invited. I think some of us would, like Lewisham Trading Standards, be interested to report on these captive selling techniques.
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