Cold Call Scams

The Office of Fair Trading and trading standards services across the country continue to receive hundreds of complaints from businesses about sales tactics of some telesales companies, particularly sales staff making false claims about links to emergency services or charitable organisations.

There is also concern that false claims are being made that businesses have already agreed to buy advertising space and subjected to demands for payment when no such agreements have taken place.

Legitimate companies do exist, but reduce the risks of falling for cold call scams by following these tips:

* Don’t take unsolicited calls when you are busy and can’t give the salesman your full attention.

* Don’t agree to something on the phone just to get rid of a persistent caller – legally binding agreements can be made over the phone.

* Don’t be pressurised into paying for services you didn’t agree to : if you are threatened with debt collectors or credit black-listing, remember that ultimately only a court can decide whether you are liable to pay and disputes with another business will not necessarily affect your credit rating.