Thursday 23 June 2011

Trading Standards Update - 23/06/2011

Cold Callers deserve the cold shoulder - use a door-chain and don't sign anything


23/06/2011 Energy Hard Sell Warning - South Warwickshire

Residents have complained to Warwickshire Trading Standards after receiving underhand approaches by on commission door to door energy sales people wanting to switch them to another gas or electric provider.

One resident reported that a caller representing an energy company had first claimed he was there to 'read the meter'. When the householder challenged the caller (as the caller did not represent the householder's own provider), he then said he had been sent by his head office because the householder had been 'over-charged'. In reality, the caller was looking for ways to get the householder to agree to switch his supplier.

Some door to door energy sales people have been known to make misleading statements and use underhand sales tactics to get householders to change their supplier.

Whilst changing energy supplier is a straightforward process, consumers who are unwittingly switched on the doorstep, may end up paying more for their gas or electricity than they were already doing.


The cost of energy varies widely between suppliers, depending upon how much you use and how you pay. Rogue energy sales people are only interested in signing you up to their company and earning commission, they don't care if you end up paying more for your energy.

Warwickshire Trading Standards advise consumers to shop around for the best energy deals. Don't change your contract with the first person who comes to your door, whatever they say. Use a price comparison website to find the best deal.


For more information and advice, visit our website: www.warwckshire.gov.uk/scams

  • Please feel free to cascade this information to whom ever you feel appropriate (including using the information in your newsletters/websites etc.). 
  • If you have any information you wish to provide to Warwickshire Trading Standards Service, either for our information, or to appear in future email alerts, please email me.
  • A list of all the latest email alerts is available on our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards

Simon Cripwell
Senior Information Officer
Trading Standards Service
Environment and Economy Directorate
Warwickshire County Council
tel. 01926 414039
mob. 07771 975570
email. simoncripwell@warwickshire.gov.uk
web.
www.warwickshire.gov.uk
My normal working days are Monday to Thursday

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