Couple in 80s targeted by cold callers

The Lambeg couple, both in their 80s, received a phone call last Tuesday afternoon asking if someone could come out and speak to them about their health.

The 83-year-old woman had thought the person was calling from occupational health, having been assured there were ‘no sales’ involved, and having had contact with occupational health in recent years.

However, when a representative from the company arrived on Wednesday, the woman discovered he was selling a massaging mattress, even getting her husband to lie on the product to assess it.

The couple’s daughter said: “The woman who phoned knew my mother’s name and asked if they could come out to speak about her health, saying they had products to assist her where she was living. She thought they were from occupational health and made the appointment.

“The man spent an hour and a half in their home trying to sell them an adjustable massage mattress.

“He asked them to get down and check out the mattress but my mother said no, she just felt something was wrong.”

She continued: “He said it was £4,400 for one but if they wrote him a cheque he could give them two for £4,000. He was quite insistent on a cheque and was pushing to get something out of it.

“I would just like to make people aware that this is happening, particularly vulnerable pensioners.”

Damien Doherty, TSS Area Inspector said: “I’m urging everyone who knows or cares for a vulnerable, elderly person to make sure they are aware of their rights when it comes to suspect door step approaches and carefully research salespeople before inviting them into their home. No one should feel pressured into making a rash buying decision. If in doubt always think twice and get a second opinion.”