Trading Standards in the Western Isles are warning residents may be targeted by rogue traders selling dodgy mattresses from the backs of vans.
They say “cheap” mattresses sold by doorstep sellers might not comply with safety regulations and may be a possible fire hazard, or you could even be sold a second-hand mattress recovered and labelled with logos to look like new.
A spokesperson said: “The mattress sold from the back of a van scam has been known to our Trading Standards colleagues throughout the country for several years, however we believe this is the first time the islands have been targeted.”
Trading Standards are looking for any information on doorstep sellers operating in the area. Trading Standards can be contacted on 01851 82294 or out of hours on Faire the community Careline on 01851 701702. Doorstep sellers may also be reported to the police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.
Trading Standards again advise residents to keep an eye out for elderly neighbours and relatives who the sellers may target for a sale.
A Youtube video “The rip off van scam” produced by The National Bed Federation, gives an insight into some of the problems which you could encounter when buying at the doorstep.
