By Aileen Robertson

A FIFE security firm which tried to sell a £5500 alarm system to an 83-year-old woman is being investigated by police.

Police say the company, operating a door-to-door sales technique, is trying to sell householders expensive equipment they don’t need.

Police intercepted a sale to an elderly woman in Kincardine after they were alerted to the fact she had tried to withdraw an unusually large amount of money from her bank. Staff had questioned why she wanted to withdraw so much cash.

Police say the alarm was far too technical and costly for the pensioner’s needs. The force has teamed up with Fife Council trading standards service to investigate the case.

The firm was said to have used a “high-pressure” sales approach to talk the woman into buying the alarm.

Western division community safety officer PC Martin Bamford said, “This company appears to put considerable pressure on people to buy their products, even when they may be not suitable for their needs.

“Elderly people, who have a particular fear of crime and intruders, are most vulnerable to such tactics.

“We would urge anyone who receives a call or a visit from such a company, or who has an elderly friend or relative in such a situation, to contact Fife police or Fife’s trading standards as soon as possible.”

Geoff Bates from trading standards said customers should be aware of their rights.

He continued, “Cancellation rights apply to most contracts that you enter into resulting from an unsolicited visit by a trader where the total cost of what you are agreeing to buy is over £35.

“This includes contracts for goods and for the supply of services, including repairs or improvements to property.

“Where the regulations apply, you have seven days after you sign an agreement when you are able to cancel without any penalty. To cancel the contract, you should send either the cancellation notice or a letter by recorded delivery stating that you are cancelling the contract in accordance with your legal rights. You should keep a copy of the notice or letter.

“If you pay for the goods or service on credit you may have extra cancellation rights. The law requires the salesperson to give you a notice of your cancellation rights at the time the agreement is signed.

“If the notice is not given, the agreement is unenforceable. The company has also committed a criminal offence for which they can be prosecuted.”

For further advice contact Fife Council’s consumer direct line on 08454 040506, or contact the police on 01592 251111.