Ford satellite firm taken to court over fraudulent claims to customers

Thousands of complaints were made against Satellite Direct UK which prompted action from West Sussex Trading Standards.

The company's directors, David Reynolds and Kelly Drew, who also operate associated businesses Sat Cover Ltd and One4Group, were found to have made numerous breaches of consumer-protection legislation.

Despite previous consultation about their legal obligations, complaints about the companies based in Ford Lane, Ford, persisted.

Chichester County Court granted an interim Enforcement Order under the Enterprise Act requiring that the defendants stop breaching the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003.

The defendants were ordered to stop giving the impression they represented BSkyB or Sky, which they do not.

They also gave customers false information about the need for a warranty when their existing ones had not yet expired.

In addition, the company also took overpayments or unauthorised payments from bank accounts and made unsolicited sales calls to consumers registered with the Telephone Preference Service.

Satellite Direct UK also failed to send out the required written information when contracts were agreed over the telephone.

West Sussex Trading Standards also found the company failed to allow an extended period of time to cancel contracts when paperwork was not supplied as required.

The firm was ordered to publicise this order, which they have done by means of a public notice in the national press.

Peter Evans, cabinet member for public protection, said: "I want to reassure those who've been affected by these companies that we are taking their concerns very seriously and West Sussex Trading Standards will continue to monitor these business activities.

"While agreeing contracts over the telephone can be quick and convenient you must be cautious. You need to establish to your satisfaction that the person you are dealing with is who they say they are, particularly if you have been cold-called.

"If the caller is indicating you have an existing contractual arrangement with them, you should not need to provide your payment details again, as they should already have these on record.

"Bear in mind that you have legal rights to cancel a contract made over the phone, however less-scrupulous traders may make this difficult for you by failing to provide details of this legal right."

Anyone receiving unwanted cold calls or telesales calls should contact Consumer Direct on 0845 4040506.

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