Cumbria Trading Standards are warning residents in West Cumbria to be on their guard against cold callers trying to persuade them to switch energy suppliers and saying they are from “moneysavingexpert.com” and claiming to be endorsed by Martin Lewis. Martin Lewis says on the moneysavingexpert website:
This [cold calling] company is nothing to do with MoneySavingExpert and nothing to do with me. I'm not a fan of energy cold-callers of any variety – the right way to do it is to do a full market comparison, not have someone trying to flog products at your door. So it is more than a little galling to have people think I'm behind this.
And if the unconfirmed reports that some cold callers have been using my name is true, it's a dirty, disgusting attempt to confuse and mislead people, taking advantage of the name similarity. Yet regardless of that, and whoever the firm is trying to get you to switch energy on your doorstep, the best thing to do is just say NO.
Cumbria Trading Standards would like to reinforce previous messages that people should use extreme caution when approached by cold callers offering to carry out any work or supply any service.
Trading Standards provide the following advice:
- DO NOT conduct business with cold callers who knock on your door uninvited.
- Look out for those who are vulnerable within your neighbourhoods and family.
- Report suspicious activity to Trading Standards or the Police.
If you have been approached recently, have received a flyer or have any information please contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or contact Cumbria Police on 101.
For general advice on consumer issues visit www.adviceguide.org.uk
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