NUNEATON residents are being warned to beware of unexpected callers visiting homes offering to buy gold.
It is unclear what the intentions of the callers are.
But Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service wants everyone to be careful.
This comes after a resident reported to the service about receiving a visit from a caller at her front door.
The woman asked if there was any gold in the house and whether the resident wanted to sell it.
She would not reveal the name of the company she represented when asked and also quickly became extremely evasive when further contact details were requested from her.
Trading Standards officers now want to make sure that everyone is fully aware of the situation in a bid to protect themselves.
A spokesperson for the service said: “Householders are advised that if they wish to sell gold that they do so through a reputable business with a verifiable address and that they compare the prices on offer.
“On a single day for example, the price you might be able to obtain for ten grams of 9ct gold could vary from £22 to £100 dependent upon which business you choose.”
Useful tips and advice for people to think about when faced with doorstep sellers and traders includes:
* Never agree to go with a trader to the bank to get money out.
* Check out the trader’s details.
* Always read documents carefully before signing them.
* Don’t get taken in by sales banter or high pressure selling techniques.
* Keep your doors locked.
* Avoid handing over money before work is started.
* Don’t agree to repair work being done on the spot.
To make a consumer complaint or enquiry, contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or 0208 1850 710 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk
Further information about scams and high pressure sales tactics and how to avoid them can be found by visiting Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service website at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams
