Two code members help disabled scam victim

Good deed: TPG DisableAids employees deliver Mr Whiting his new mobility scooter

At the centre of the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) approved British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) code of practice, there is a desire to promote the independence and well-being of elderly and disabled clients.

It was this which led to two code members helping Mr Whiting, a vulnerable and disabled customer, when two cold callers came knocking in the West Midlands. Claiming they had arrived to service his new mobility scooter — the victim’s only means of independence and mobility– the conmen quickly demanded £400 for repairs, despite the scooter being under warranty.

When he refused to pay up they promptly left, taking the scooter with them. Not wanting to leave the man without mobility, Hereford based retailer TPG DisableAids contacted the manufacturer, Sunrise Medical, to see if they could help. Both are members of the BHTA.

“On hearing of this man’s plight and after assisting the local police as much as we could, we approached Sunrise Medical to see if they may wish to help,” said Alastair Gibbs, director of TPG DisableAids.”They have offered a new replacement scooter free of charge. Whilst they have no obligation to make any contribution, they and TPG DisableAids were only too happy to assist to allow the client to regain his freedom and independence.”

Mobility scooter retailers in the area are advised not to purchase scooters from disreputable dealers: especially if they are selling a ‘Sunrise Medical Sapphire 2’ model. Gibbs said: “We have the full model details and serial number. So if any other retailer is offered a Sunrise Medical Sapphire 2 scooter under strange circumstances, please feel free to check with us. We have, ourselves, been offered nearly new scooters by young men in Transit vans. But when asked to produce verification of ownership it has become clear that none is available and so purchase is refused.”

Credit: Taken from THIIS – the magazine and website for trade professionals. For more information about TSI’s Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) please contact pressoffice@tsi.org.uk or call 0845 608 9575