Elderly victims lose thousands

Rogue companies target OAPs

Rutherglen and Cambuslang residents are being warned about rogue businesses using high pressure sales tactics on older people after two local cases involving thousands of pounds.

Both cases – in Cambuslang and Lesmahagow – involved Westminister Recliners, a Felixstowe-based company, which has since gone into administration.

One resident contacted the firm to enquire about a mobility recliner chair after seeing an advert in the Radio Times.

A representative from Westminister Recliners turned up at their door without an appointment, a common tactic among rogue traders designed to catch people alone and unprepared.

There is evidence that high pressure selling was used to persuade the consumer to pay £4,898.

When the chair arrived it was totally unsuitable, a physiotherapist confirmed it was the wrong size for the consumer, an email was sent to cancel the order and the chair was uplifted by the trader.

But no money was refunded and the firm went into administration.

In the second local case a couple were persuaded to pay a £2,000 deposit for a bed with massage function and a remote control, the bed was never delivered and the money has not been returned. Sadly the husband has since passed away.

Councillor John Anderson, chairman of South Lanarkshire Council’s community and enterprise resources committee, said both cases had been referred to the trading standards.

He said: “Westminister Recliners has gone into administration but we believe those involved have links to another trader working in the same field. In addition the aggressive and manipulative sales tactics they used are common among rogue traders.

“We would always advise people to have a family member, friend or neighbour present when a salesperson calls. Reputable companies will not turn up unannounced and will have no objection to consumers, particularly the elderly or vulnerable, having someone present to support them.”

Westminister Recliners has previously been prosecuted by Suffolk Trading Standards in 2013 and 2015.