Looking after older people is an important priority for the county council and its work covers areas from social service support, transport initiatives and trading standards.
Each trading standards project is aimed at trying to stop older people falling victim to bogus doorstep callers who can often use unscrupulous tactics to get them to part with their cash. The aim of the projects is not to frighten residents but to offer advice and to increase awareness of consumer rights.
A successful and growing project is the approved trader list in the Buy with Confidence scheme. Often, a cold caller can frighten an older person into believing they need immediate emergency home repairs, when in fact the advice from trading standards would be to stop and think and to get at least two estimates from well known companies before doing anything.
The approved trader list contains various traders from around the county who have been given the trading standards seal of approval. The list can be obtained from the Buy With Confidence team on 01323 418215 or can be found by visiting www.eastsussex.gov.uk/buywithconfidence.
If an older person does become a victim, trading standards has joined forces with banks and building societies in a rapid response team project. If counter staff believe an unusual amount of money is being withdrawn, they will tactfully enquire why the cash is needed, and where possible take the customer to a private area to give help and advice.
A third successful project is a community safety pack full of information ranging from protecting against a doorstep caller to fire safety tips, consumer rights and useful contact telephone numbers. The pack is available from Age Concern on 0800 009966 or trading standards on 01323 418200.
"The three projects being run by trading standards are intended to reduce the fear of crime, and to give as much information and education as possible to prevent older people from becoming victims of unscrupulous tactics. We don’t want anyone to fall victim to rogue traders, or to the many scams currently making their way round the country. Always remember that if something sounds too good to be true then it almost certainly is so don’t get involved,” said Councillor Bob Tidy, lead cabinet member for community safety.
Reference:
05/088/JW
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