AN ELDERLY dementia sufferer pressured into paying £7,000 for a "free" burglar alarm has got her money back after her son intervened.
Nesta Hollis, from Esher, was recovering from two strokes when she was targeted by rogue traders who prey on the elderly and vulnerable.
The 77-year-old, who suffers from vascular dementia and gets tired and easily confused, was cold called by a company with the offer of a 'free' burglar alarm and subjected to a three hour sales pitch in her home.
The 'free' offer turned into a 15-year servicing and monitoring contract at cost of more than £7,000, which the pensioner signed a cheque for.
When Mrs Hollis' son complained to Consumer Direct, Surrey County Council Trading Standards took up the case and dealt with company.
The firm was told that because Mrs Hollis suffered from dementia, she did not have the capacity to make such a large financial decision on her own. This invalidated the contract and Mrs Hollis was given a full refund.
As part of National Consumer Week, which runs from November 12 to 16, people are urged to get their hands on a Stop Cold Calling sticker pack to help protect against doorstep crime.
The pack includes a sticker to display on front room windows or doors warning uninvited traders not to cold-call at their property.
Kay Hammond, Surrey County Council's cabinet member for community safety, said: "Mrs Hollis was a vulnerable person attracted by a free offer which ended up costing her thousands of pounds.
"Thankfully we were able to get her money back. Others may not be as lucky. I'd urge everyone to get hold of a Stop Cold Calling pack and display the stickers telling doorstep traders to go away."
