Keeping safe

Trusted traders

The ‘Buy With Confidence’ scheme provides a list of reputable local businesses. Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards staff have checked local member businesses to ensure their trustworthiness and compliance with the law.

You can search the list of approved providers at

www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Scams and doorstep crime

Scams are more common than most people realise. Every day, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team hears from people who have lost money to a scam-artist or rogue trader.

Some scams are one-offs that persuade you to part with a lump sum, while others go after your personal details so they can access your money or copy your identity. Cold calls, high-pressure sales tactics and automated voicemails asking for people’s details are just some of the tricks scammers are using.

If you have been a victim of a scam or know someone who has and would like advice, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133, or call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report a scam. Unfortunately, there are also a number of traders that want to cheat us out of our money. A rogue trader may persuade a homeowner to have work carried out on their property. This work is often unnecessary, may be charged at inflated prices, may be poorly done and often the trader will charge for work that hasn’t been completed.

If you think a rogue trader has called in your area, please report it immediately by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

For more information, visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk and search for ‘scams’.

Fire and rescue

To reduce the chance of having a fire in your home, you need to be aware of the risks, how to prevent them and what to do should a fire occur.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service offers free ‘Safe and Well’ visits to vulnerable members of the community. Your home will be assessed for fire risk, and if required, free smoke alarms will be fitted. The visit will also cover home escape plans and provide advice to lower fire risk. Visit www.365alive.co.uk to find out more.

Keeping warm in winter

It’s important to stay safe and keep warm in winter. The Age UK website has some excellent tips on preparing for and coping with cold weather; visit www.ageuk.org.uk and search ‘keep well this winter’. Better Housing Better Health (BHBH) is a one-stop shop, including a home visit for some, for a range of free services aimed at helping Oxfordshire residents reduce energy bills and keep warm and well at home. Call 0800 107 0044 or visit www.bhbh.org.uk