Warwickshire News Mine

Nuneaton residents have contacted the service to report receiving calls from an as yet unknown company who are using high pressure sales techniques to sell fire escape equipment to unsuspecting householders.

Residents have reported receiving repeated calls from someone claiming to be working with the ‘Fire Service’ trying to arrange appointments to sell fire escape equipment.

However, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is not involved with this company or the promotion of its products.

Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection said:

“Whilst it is important for householders to take all necessary steps to protect themselves from fires in the home, we do not want residents to be pressured in to buying fire safety products that may not be suitable for their needs.

Nor do we wish people to purchase products under the false assumption that they are in some way endorsed by the Fire Service.

Instead, we would advise any Warwickshire resident or business requiring help or advice on fire safety, to contact Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.”

For fire safety in the home enquiries contact: Community Fire Safety Enquiries on 01926 466282, or visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk
For legislative fire safety in business premises contact: Community Fire Protection Enquiries on 01926 410800 or visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk
Many consumers will from time to time receive unexpected and sometimes unwanted telephone sales calls to their homes, often in the evening.

Warwickshire Trading Standards Officers advise consumers to follow this guidance:

Always ask yourself - do I really want these goods or services?
Don’t agree to buy goods or services from the first person who telephones you - shop around.
If you don’t want to speak to the person, put the phone down. It can be hard to distinguish the good traders from the cowboys - even more so on the telephone.
To reduce the number of unwanted telephone sales calls you receive register with the Telephone Preference Service at: http://www.tpsonline.org.uk

For more information, please visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards  
If you think you have been the victim of a scam, or you suspect a scam, call Consumer Direct for clear, practical consumer advice on 08454 04 05 06

Link to WCC