Mattresses scam in Derbyshire

Derbyshire Trading Standards Service has become aware of flyers being posted through doors advertising Memory Foam mattresses for sale. The flyer states a business is closing down and the mattresses are being sold at greatly reduced prices.

Mattresses sold in the UK must comply with safety regulations such that they are flame-resistant and must have a blue safety label permanently attached. With no way of tracing the seller, there is no way of checking whether the mattress is safe, and it has been known for false safety labels to be stitched in to look authentic.

When selling goods at the door, the trader must, by law, provide customers with written confirmation that they have a 14-day cancellation period in which they are entitled to change their mind about the purchase, and how to obtain a refund. The trader must also provide their name and address.

If the trader gives a company name and address, type those details into the internet using a tablet or smartphone to see if they exist.

Derbyshire Trading Standards Service wishes to advise people to be wary of anyone offering goods in this way, as legitimate companies very rarely sell mattresses in this way.

If you have any concerns or information about this matter you can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 or Derbyshire Police on 101.