The CLA in the North says that a recently overheard conversation when someone asked for advice and was given a completely misleading answer, combined with the increasing use of websites and social networking to glean information, should underline the value of ensuring that sources are reliable.
Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North said: ’As a membership organisation that employs specialist, professional advisers we have to deal in facts. In subjects such as legal issues, taxation and contracts, being even slightly wrong could lead to serious financial implications or even breaking the law. We are accountable to our members for the information we supply and that is always based on experience, expertise and a huge amount of research. Currently for example, hot topics range from how to benefit from producing renewable energy through to regulations on septic tanks, and we know that there is a tremendous amount of misinformation being spread.
’But in this age of immediate communication and financial constraints many people who are short of time or feel they cannot justify a membership subscription will, with the best of intentions, hit a website or rely on information passed on by contacts.
’Once something has been passed on a few times it becomes accepted knowledge and it is very hard to put the record straight.
’The message therefore is twofold. Firstly, if you do network, don’t just pass on information without checking it. If it is wrong you could get your contacts into trouble or cost them money.
Secondly, take good advice by going to an expert, or your trade or membership organisation. They will have your interests at heart. The financial or legal consequences of getting it wrong may be serious and irrevocable.’
