Menu
03/06/2009
Consumer Direct Issues Warning To Mobility Aid Buyers
A rise in complaints about mobility aids has led Consumer Direct to issue a warning about the sharp practices of some operators selling mobility scooters, bath aids and orthopaedic furniture.
Consumer Direct, the OFT-managed advice service, received more than 1,500 complaints about mobility aid purchases in the first four months of this year, up 8% on the same period last year.
Many complaints related to defective products and customer service issues, while almost a quarter were about sales and business practices, including allegations that traders were making misleading claims.
Callers complained about salespeople engaging in high pressure sales tactics, spending several hours in their homes, and in some cases falsely claiming to be working for Social Services, the Department for Work and Pensions or the National Health Service.
Michele Shambrook, Operations Manager for Consumer Direct said: "Mobility aids like these can provide welcome independence and relief to the sick, elderly and disabled but prospective buyers need to guard against the tactics of some rogue operators.
"Many of these products are sold to people in their own homes where they can be particularly vulnerable to high pressure selling techniques. It's worth remembering that if you agree to buy something in the home that you later regret, you will have cancellation rights."
New laws that came into force in October 2008 in most cases give consumers seven days to cancel contracts entered into in the home.
Other regulations introduced in May last year prohibit traders from treating consumers unfairly, misleading them through acts or omissions, or subjecting them to aggressive practices such as high pressure selling techniques. Traders are also required to leave premises when asked.
Breach of the new regulations is an offence punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. A number of mobility aid companies are currently being investigated by local authority Trading Standards Services.
(JM/BMcC)
Consumer Direct, the OFT-managed advice service, received more than 1,500 complaints about mobility aid purchases in the first four months of this year, up 8% on the same period last year.
Many complaints related to defective products and customer service issues, while almost a quarter were about sales and business practices, including allegations that traders were making misleading claims.
Callers complained about salespeople engaging in high pressure sales tactics, spending several hours in their homes, and in some cases falsely claiming to be working for Social Services, the Department for Work and Pensions or the National Health Service.
Michele Shambrook, Operations Manager for Consumer Direct said: "Mobility aids like these can provide welcome independence and relief to the sick, elderly and disabled but prospective buyers need to guard against the tactics of some rogue operators.
"Many of these products are sold to people in their own homes where they can be particularly vulnerable to high pressure selling techniques. It's worth remembering that if you agree to buy something in the home that you later regret, you will have cancellation rights."
New laws that came into force in October 2008 in most cases give consumers seven days to cancel contracts entered into in the home.
Other regulations introduced in May last year prohibit traders from treating consumers unfairly, misleading them through acts or omissions, or subjecting them to aggressive practices such as high pressure selling techniques. Traders are also required to leave premises when asked.
Breach of the new regulations is an offence punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. A number of mobility aid companies are currently being investigated by local authority Trading Standards Services.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 October 2008
£700m Of Armoured Vehicles For British Troops
A multi-million pound investment has been announced by Defence Secretary John Hutton for extra vehicles that would improve the safety and protection of British troops in Afghanistan. The £700 million would mean a further 700 new and upgraded vehicles that would provide the "best practical protection" against the "developing threats" they faced.
£700m Of Armoured Vehicles For British Troops
A multi-million pound investment has been announced by Defence Secretary John Hutton for extra vehicles that would improve the safety and protection of British troops in Afghanistan. The £700 million would mean a further 700 new and upgraded vehicles that would provide the "best practical protection" against the "developing threats" they faced.
15 September 2014
Foreign Minister To Attend Paris Summit In Response To IS
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond is to attend a summit in Paris where foreign ministers from around the world will discuss Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq and Syria. Mr Hammond will meet ministers to discuss the international response to militant group, Islamic State.
Foreign Minister To Attend Paris Summit In Response To IS
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond is to attend a summit in Paris where foreign ministers from around the world will discuss Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq and Syria. Mr Hammond will meet ministers to discuss the international response to militant group, Islamic State.
17 July 2013
300 More UK Officers Sent To Belfast
Some 300 mutual aid officers from UK police forces are to be sent to Belfast following a fifth night of rioting in the city. Trouble began on last Friday after an Orange Order parade was stopped from returning along part of the Crumlin Road in north Belfast.
300 More UK Officers Sent To Belfast
Some 300 mutual aid officers from UK police forces are to be sent to Belfast following a fifth night of rioting in the city. Trouble began on last Friday after an Orange Order parade was stopped from returning along part of the Crumlin Road in north Belfast.
05 March 2013
Top Judge Hits Out At Legal Aid Cuts
Lord Neuberger, UK's most senior judge, has raised concerns over legal aid cuts. He told the BBC: "My worry is the removal of legal aid for people to get advice about law and get representation in court will start to undermine the rule of law because people will feel like the government isn't giving them access to justice in all sorts of cases.
Top Judge Hits Out At Legal Aid Cuts
Lord Neuberger, UK's most senior judge, has raised concerns over legal aid cuts. He told the BBC: "My worry is the removal of legal aid for people to get advice about law and get representation in court will start to undermine the rule of law because people will feel like the government isn't giving them access to justice in all sorts of cases.
14 March 2011
Linda Norgrove Death Probe Detailed
Foreign Secretary William Hague has updated Parliament on the outcome of the investigation into the death of British aid worker Linda Norgrove.
Linda Norgrove Death Probe Detailed
Foreign Secretary William Hague has updated Parliament on the outcome of the investigation into the death of British aid worker Linda Norgrove.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
