| It's bad enough that people are tricked and scammed | | | | the place but this concentrated spate is due to the |
| into making purchases by fraudulent traders but it is | | | | underhand tactics of one particular company in the |
| especially sickening when they prey upon the elderly or | | | | Derbyshire area.Cabinet member for community |
| disabled. | | | | safety Clive Moesby said "We are concerned that |
| This disgusting act has been going on all over the | | | | vulnerable people may feel pressurised into parting |
| place for a very long time, but recently Derbyshire | | | | with considerable amounts of money in these |
| County Council has revealed that it has received | | | | situations". Whist it is not illegal for businesses to cold |
| numerous complaints from vulnerable and elderly | | | | call potential customers, they are being urged to |
| people about companies that are using bullying tactics | | | | conduct these canvassing exercises in an ethical |
| to get sales. | | | | manner and not to put people on the spot or to apply |
| This particular, recent spell in the Derbyshire area has | | | | unnecessary pressure. Clive Moesby also added "If |
| seen residents receiving cold calls from businesses | | | | people do want to buy mobility products such as |
| that are giving the impression that they are actually | | | | wheelchairs or scooters they should take their time |
| calling from social services or other health agencies | | | | and compare lots of different products and prices |
| such as the local PCT (Primary Care Trust). This | | | | from different retailers before making a decision." |
| trickery is used in order to obtain a persons trust and | | | | Requesting mail order product brochures or browsing |
| to gain access into peoples homes by making | | | | products online are the best methods of comparing |
| appointments fir 'needs assessments'. It is only when | | | | mobility products and prices. Online research is |
| they have gained access into peoples homes that | | | | probably the most preferable as not only do you have |
| they reveal that they are actually sales people trying | | | | a greater depth of information available at your finger |
| to sell mobility products. These bullies of sales people | | | | tips, it can be completely anonymous without you |
| stay within peoples homes for hours pushing and | | | | having to exchange any personal details (unless of |
| pressurising them into a sale. Often they will not leave | | | | course you make a purchase). Better prices are |
| until the targeted person gives in and commits to | | | | usually available online, with online suppliers being able |
| purchasing a product. | | | | to offer good discounts due to the lower |
| Unfortunately instances like this are going on all over | | | | administrational costs of online trading. |