Scam Alert

Hampshire Trading Standards has recently been made aware, by Hampshire Police, of a cold call involving a Vivid Housing tenant.
The tenant received a visit from 2 men who claimed to be from Vivid Housing and had been sent the property to clean the guttering.  They stated that it was an annual requirement and asked for £65 to do the work.  When questioned further, the men said they would speak to Vivid Housing’s Head Office and get back to the tenant.  Both left, and no further contact has been received by the tenant.
Although this incident involved traders falsely claiming to be from Vivid Housing and was in the Basingstoke area, the warning applies to all Housing Association tenants Countywide.  Any tenants receiving such cold calls are advised to contact their Housing Association directly for further advice and guidance.
Members of the Buy With Confidence scheme are fully audited to ensure their trading practices are legal, honest and fair. All members have been checked for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws. Details can be obtained by telephoning 01962 833620, emailing buy.with.confidence@hants.gov.uk or via the Buy With Confidence website.
Traders who agree work at the home of an individual or at a place other than their usual business premises are required by law to provide consumers with a Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives a 14 day cooling off period from the date the work starts. Even if work has started, there is still a legal right to cancel, although some payment may be required for materials.
To inform Trading Standards about traders offering services where false claims are suspected, report the matter to our partners at the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06. Please try to obtain a name and address for the company.
Doorstep Crime can also be reported to Hampshire Police on their non-urgent number 101 or dial 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated.