27/07/2011 Legal Services Approach Warning
Warwickshire Trading Standards Service has received complaints from consumers who received unsolicited (unexpected) telephone calls offering legal services, specifically the offer to set up a Protective Property Trust, which seek to protect a person's assets if they were to enter a care home later in life.
Consumers reported being asked to pay several thousand pounds for these services.
Trading Standards Officers are concerned because the calls (often made to elderly and vulnerable people) are thought to be from unqualified and unregulated individuals and businesses, using pressure selling techniques. Only a tiny fraction of legal services must be provided by a qualified solicitor.
Warwickshire Trading Standards advises consumers to seek expert legal advice before entering in to a legal contract/agreement.
A number of organisations can assist people to access legal information and advice, some free. For more information visit:
Citizens Advice Bureau www.adviceguide.org.uk
Advice Now www.advicenow.org.uk
Age UK www.ageuk.org.uk
Trading Standards contact details - See LINKS
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