28 January 06
Phone bill price war means talk is cheap -
Guardian
interesting but no mention of
Skype that
millions are now using
Stop Receiving
Unwanted Telephone Calls
Register with this FREE government service. May not
stop calls from abroad.
Stop Receiving Unwanted Faxes
Register with the Fax Preference Service a FREE government service.
May not stop calls from abroad.
Example Of Telephone Scam in Norfolk
On Norfolk Police web site. Confirming again not to give information
out to someone on the phone you have never met no matter how plausible it
sounds.
Caithness.org Advice
Never buy anything from anyone who cold calls on the telephone to your
house or from an unsolicited email. You have not had time to check
the person or the company out. You may not not have wanted the
product or service and you certainly have not had time to compare prices
and check the reputation of the caller. Never give any personal details to
people you do not know and do not assume they are who they say they are on
the phone or in an email. always hang up the phone and check their
number in the telephone directory. Report anyone suspicious to the
authorities. Remember you lose nothing by saying NO.
Telesales
and Telemarketing - Good and Bad Practice in Telephone Sales
Using my mobile abroad: am I paying too much?
4 October 05
Commenting on the European Commission's launch today of a new website to
help people get a better deal when using their mobile phones abroad,
Alison Hopkins, from the National Consumer Council, says:
'This is great news. For too long consumers have been left in the dark
about the charges they incur for making and receiving calls when
travelling in Europe.
'Most of us only realise the true cost of our mobile phone charges when
the hefty bill drops on the doormat on our return from our travels.
'This new website will not only help people make better choices, but will
also help increase competition amongst mobile phone companies.'
Say No To 0870
Did you know that some companies are making money out of
0870 numbers that you call for information about products and services.
check the SayNoTo0870 web site for more details and how to get the other
less expensive numbers for the companies
ICSTIS
Premium
Rate Phone Numbers can be complained about via this government body. Tel
0800 500212
Rogue Dialler Programmes
See the BBC Breakfast item on this problem
To protect your computer from Rogue diallers and
unwanted programmes
Firefox
web browser - an alternative browser blocking pop-ups and more.
Microsoft Windows updates
use regularly to update your browser
Spybot
Surf and Destroy Finds spyware for you to delete.
Lava Soft -
Ad-aware - Easy to use and seeks unwanted programmes on your PC
Unwanted Junk Mail
You can have a say about the direct mail
that comes through your letter box. The Mailing Preference Service
supports your right to choose. You can register with the
Mailing Preference Service if you
choose not to receive direct mail.
Unwanted Telephone Sales Calls
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) helps you to make sure your
telephone number is no longer available to organisations who may telephone
you with offers and information you do not wish to receive. You can do this by contacting companies directly and
asking them not to phone you or you can register with the
Telephone Preference Service.
Mobile phones can also be registered online or call
0845 0700707.
Grumbletext
Check here for firms abusing your text message system and ripping off
customers by sending rogue texts with extortionate charges on your phone
bill.
Unwanted Sales Faxes
The Fax Preference Service (FPS) gives an individual (which includes
consumers) the opportunity to register fax numbers on which they do not
wish to receive direct marketing messages.
To do this register with the
Fax Preference Service.
5 August 2003
Warning - Phone Calls
- They Are Selling Kitchens
People in Caithness are being contacted
by people introducing themselves as "Are You
the Home Owner" and that they have £60,000 for the
area. But they are basically selling
fitted kitchens. Be very careful what
you are signing up for if you do at all.
As we always say on this web site If you did
not want something why buy it from the first
person who turns up offering gifts.
Check with your local trading standards
office before going any further.
Remember if it seems too good to be true it
usually is not worth the problems you may
get into by taking up the offer. This
is high pressure sales techniques so be very
wary of accepting anything for FREE - it
often is not what it seems. Do not
invite anyone to your home, do not give any
information about yourself or your house on
the phone, Ask Yourself. Do I know
these people? Trading Standards warn
that some companies do not finish the work
in these telephone led schemes. If you
need a new kitchen get some local quotes and
check out companies yourself - you will save
money and not be scammed.
Please Tell All Your Friends, Relatives,
Neighbours and any vulnerable people around
you to be be very careful about who they
give information about themselves.
Caithness is being targeted right now but
other parts of Highland and elsewhere may be
in the firing line. You may be able to
think this one through but others may not so
please discuss it with them to save everyone
money or ending up with an expensive item
they did not want or need. The opening
question is "Are you the homeowner? Do
Not Tell them. If you ask for details
about the company they will hang up Hardly a
reputable company. We have had two
calls already at the web site.
And see
Cons Scams and Unethical Selling Techniques
Think Carefully
When contacted by phone or at the doorstep.
If they ask at the start are you the Home owner - STOP and
think why are they asking that. they want to sell you something and
council house owners or those in rented places cannot usually sign credit
and loan agreements that they want to see as they have not got enough
security. REMEMBER you could lose your home if you get into
debt with these companies contacting you out of the blue. The
agreements you sign may be legally enforceable.
You have seven days to get out of anything you sign but can you find a
number to contact them on before the time runs out.
Simple Rules & Thoughts
Never invite anyone to your home who contacts you by phone, fax or
email.
Before you do invite a company check them out. Get their
address and phone number. Ask a friend or colleague about the
company before you ask them to offer you goods or services. If in
doubt contact your local trading standards office and tell them your fears
about the contact you have had.
Watch out for slick sales techniques selling items sometimes covers
up a potential pyramid selling deal where you can make money allegedly by
getting more people to sign up to buy something and you are promised
commission on all future sales. This can come under many guises -
Cash For Life or some other phrase.
Talk to elderly relatives and get it into their heads not to deal
with doorstep salesmen - ALWAYS say NO. You cannot possibly be sure
about anyone who just turns up. Do not invite them in. Give
them no personal information.
Shred all personal documents you may be throwing away. Crooks
are now known to be raiding dustbins for bank statements and credit card
details and anything else where they can get a hold of your money.
Think Think Think
If you wanted something you would make enquires yourself of companies and
businesses you already know about.
It always pays to get two or three quotes for work from a range of
companies you know well to get price comparisons.
Never Never Sign Up On the Spot
Reputable companies will not insist on you signing anything
NEVER pay up front deposits to people you do not know. You may never
see them or your money again.
The scams are many and varied. If in doubt contact the consumer
protection or in some cases the police if you are pestered. You may
help someone else.
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