CONSUMER watchdogs have issued a warning after complaints about sales tactics and work costs.

Pensioners are being targeted by salesmen selling damp proofing and the caller asks the homeowner if a salesman can visit them at home.

Chief trading standards officer Alan Blundell said: " We have received a number of complaints, particularly from older people, about damp-proofing sales people.

"In one day, we have had five calls about the same firm. We have had no complaints about the quality of work, but it appears the prices being charged are not competitive and they have left some people thinking they have not got very good value for money.

"The other issue appears to be that people do not know if they can change their minds. If you didn't invite the seller to call, then you have seven days to change your mind and cancel the contract, even if you agree to a visit from the seller after they ring you up."

But, he added: "Be careful if you allow contracts for services to begin and then cancel, you may have to pay for the work done."

Mr Blundell advises residents not to agree to work just because someone calling at your door says it needs doing. He also advises residents to get two or three quotes from different firms.

Trading standards have produced guidelines for residents, to cope with cold calling. It advises people to fit a security chain to their doors, to think before they open the door and to ask the caller for proof of ID.

The campaign warns people not to let the caller in if they are suspicious, or to be pressured into a hasty decision and pay any money up front.

Contact Wigan Council Trading Standards on 01942 827666.

CONSUMER watchdogs have issued a warning after complaints about sales tactics and work costs.

Pensioners are being targeted by salesmen selling damp proofing and the caller asks the homeowner if a salesman can visit them at home.

Chief trading standards officer Alan Blundell said: "We have received a number of complaints, particularly from older people, about damp-proofing sales people.

"In one day, we have had five calls about the same firm. We have had no complaints about the quality of work, but it appears the prices being charged are not competitive and they have left some people thinking they have not got very good value for money.

"The other issue appears to be that people do not know if they can change their minds. If you didn't invite the seller to call, then you have seven days to change your mind and cancel the contract, even if you agree to a visit from the seller after they ring you up."

But, he added: "Be careful if you allow contracts for services to begin and then cancel, you may have to pay for the work done."

Contact Wigan Council Trading Standards for advice or to report concerns on 01942 827666.