• Take your time to stop and think and don’t be rushed • Always listen to your instincts • Stay in control If your instincts tell you that you may be being targeted by a scam don’t disclose any information or take any action until you have spoken to a trusted friend or relative or obtained advice from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre. You can report scams to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 03001232040.
• You may not get what you paid for • They may provide false names, addresses and telephone numbers Why should I say NO to doorstep callers offering to sell me goods or buy items from me? • They may pressurise you to make a quick decision • Goods they sell may be overpriced, faulty or unsuitable for you • They may not offer you the true value of items they purchase from you If you have any problems with doorstep callers please call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 . They will provide advice and pass details on to Trading Standards. If you have been a victim of fraud, contact Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk. If the crime is in action or in an emergency call 999. Avoid the cowboys Always seek recommendations from friends, neighbours and family members and obtain more than one quotation before deciding who to employ. Consider using a Trading Standards approved ‘Buy With Confidence’ trader. Visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk to search for an approved trader in your area. Fire & Rescue Service West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service offers free safe and well advice and visits to help keep you and your loved ones safe from fire. During a Safe and Well visit we will check your smoke alarms, fit new alarms if needed, offer advice on how to reduce the risk of fire in your home, and provide information on support that may help you maintain your wellbeing and independence. Visits are tailored to the specific needs of the household - they normally last about 45 minutes. The fire service personnel who visit always carry identification.
You can report an incident or concern direct to West Sussex Trading Standards online at:
www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport or via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
For free advice about any consumer problem contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk. Telephone call blockers If you are being targeted by telephone fraudsters then West Sussex Trading Standards may be able to install a call blocking device free of charge to help stop nuisance calls.
You will need to satisfy the criteria below to qualify for a device:
• live in West Sussex • regularly receive scam and nuisance calls • have care or support needs due to factors such as age, mobility or mental health To apply for a call blocker contact Trading Standards online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/callblocker or call 01243 642124 (Option 2). Dealing with doorstep callers If someone you don’t know offers to do work at your property, sell you goods or buy items from you say ‘ NO THANKS ’ and shut the door. Why should I say NO to doorstep callers offering to do work at my property? • They may pressurise or intimidate you to let them do work • You may not really need the work done • They may do a poor job • They may charge you far more than originally quoted • They may charge you far more than the job is worth
To request online a free visit please visit:
www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/ west-sussex-fire-and-rescue-service/home-fire-safety/ safe-and-well-visit/#request-a-visit
Or call 0345 8729 719.
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www.westsussex.gov.uk • 01243 642122
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