Doorstep selling by Crime Research Ltd / SAS Fire & Security Systems Ltd
New information on the above received March 2011
The Official Receiver (the OR) is now dealing with all matters and effectively the company has ceased trading. Companies House register will be updated but this may take up to 12 weeks. At that time the new contact details will be available if consumers have outstanding claims against the company.
The OR will eventually contact consumers who have monitoring contracts (although this will inevitably take a while to be sorted out as they are literally just obtaining the files now).
Consumers who signed a credit agreement or paid by credit card should contact their Finance Companies for advice on joint liability.
What is going to happen now?
Consumers are likely to be approached by new businesses offering to monitor the alarm but of course there will be a price to pay for this. See below for 'pre-shopping' advice
-
It would be worth consumers shopping around rather than taking this first offer, no matter what supposed 'special deals' any new business is offering.
There are other long-established, well known firms who can probably offer a new alarm and monitoring for less than just swapping the monitoring to any unknown new company........
-
Do some research about any company you are thinking of doing business with before you let them make a sales visit. Ask neighbours, friends and relatives and check on-line for any complaints (internet access from many libraries is free).
Do not agree to anything just to get rid of a sales rep. Remember if you tell them to leave your home they must do so or they commit a criminal offence. They may tell you about your cancellation rights but once you pay money over they have the money and you don't ! If you have any concerns contact Consumer Direct or your local Trading Standards Service
-
If making payment for replacement monitoring or a replacement system consider paying by credit card. You get additional safeguards and added protection if things go wrong If the firm will not take credit cards ask yourself why this is - be wary.
Remember any guarantee is worthless if a business disappears or ceases trading so be wary of relying on promises about the future.
Previous background information
North Ayrshire Council has been contacted recently by elderly, vulnerable people who have been targeted by a cold calling company called Crime Research UK acting for SAS Fire & Security Systems Ltd selling home security systems costing thousands of pounds.
They may indicate the system is free however it is linked to a maintenance agreement for monitoring purposes for a year or more. Consumers may pay cash or take out a finance agreement. The full cost may be in the region of £3000 - £9000 over the term of the contract.
The company may that it is carrying our research on behalf of the Council. This is not the case and Council staff who contact you will always have photographic id and contact you directly by letter or telephone prior to the visit. They may indicate to you crime statistics for your area - you can check these with the Police This type of impersonation is a Police matter for anyone is passing themselves off as working for the Council without authorisation.
Trading Standards have acted on complaints received over the last year and are fully aware of the trading practices of this Company.
Remember your local Strathclyde Police within North Ayrshire can advise on your home security free of charge.
Trading Standards have ensured the cancellation of individual contracts totalling over £150,000 for local consumers who have wished to cancel their contracts. We have worked closely with our colleagues across the UK to ensure effective compliance. However we need you to inform us if you feel you have been mislead, pressured or conned into a contract which you later feel was misleading.
We have set up a direct telephone line (01294 324917) providing assistance for consumers approached by this company. You have a cooling off period to consider contracts signed at home costing more than £35. - you can cancel - see links. Consumers have a legal right to cancel contracts signed at home. Their is also a legal requirement on the trader to trade fairly and it's critical for consumers to cancel promptly if you change your mind about the contract.
More information on your consumer rights can be found on www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Trading Standards ensures fair trading, our service is free and confidential and has an excellent record in consumer redress.