22/02/11…BEWARE Security alarm & Olympic tickets scams
OXFORDSHIRE Trading Standards have issued warning about two scams currently affecting the county’s residents, one to do with high pressure security alarm salesmen and the other warns against scam Olympics ticket sales.
Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is warning residents to be vigilant when opening their doors to companies offering burglar alarms for as little as 99p.
Many people have complained to Trading Standards, with victims reporting a cold call by a salesperson who insists on visiting to discuss the installation of a free or cheap alarm. Companies may also use high-pressure tactics to scaremonger residents.
Based on previous complaints, Trading Standards found that the companies failed to mention hidden fees for the monitoring, upkeep and rapid response facilities. Some residents have found themselves tied into a long contract agreement costing thousands of pounds.
Richard Webb, Acting Head of Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards, said: “Some companies are claiming to be directly linked to the police, which is simply not true.
“Our advice is not to buy anything based on a cold call. If you intend to make a major purchase always research the market and get at least three quotes from reputable companies.
“If you do not wish to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls, you can register for free via the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707 or www.tpsonline.org.uk. Alternatively if you need any advice, you can contact Trading Standards on 08450 510845.”
People conned by Olympic ticket scam
Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is warning people not to buy tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games from bogus websites.
Nearly nine million tickets will be going on sale for the Olympic Games and another two million for the Paralympic Games. But a number of organisations are beginning to operate, selling fake tickets to con people out of their money.
Genuine tickets can only be applied for through the official London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games website: http://www.tickets.london2012.com
Oxfordshire’s Trading Standards has set up a webpage with questions and answers to help people wanting to apply for tickets and stop them from becoming a victim of a scam.
Richard Webb, Acting Head of Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards, said: “Bogus websites often look very professional, but it is only when the event draws near and the tickets haven’t arrived by the promised date that it becomes clear that the website never had the tickets to sell. Anybody who thinks they have used or come across a bogus website should contact Trading Standards on 08450 510845.”
How to apply for tickets
People can apply for genuine tickets on the official London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games website: www.tickets.london2012.com Customers can register their interest now to receive all the latest news and information before tickets go on sale.
There are 26 sports to choose from and everyone has an equal chance to buy a ticket. It is not first come, first served. Once people have applied for tickers, London 2012 will use an automated and random selection process to ensure the fairest possible allocation of tickets for those sessions.
The application phase for tickets opens on Tuesday, March 15 and closes on Tuesday, April 26 2011. Successful customers will be notified by the end of June via email or letter. Applications for tickets for the Paralympic Games tickets will begin on Friday, September 9th 2011. Tickets for the London 2012 Festival, part of the Cultural Olympiad, will go on sale in October.
Visa debit, credit or pre-pard card will be the only payment card accepted when applying for tickets on the official website. Cheque or postal order will be accepted through the paper application form contained in the official ticketing guide, and available in Lloyds TSB branches. Tickets start from
