DESPITE repeated warnings, elderly people continue to be duped by unscrupulous salesmen.

In the most recent wave of high-pressure tactics, salesmen are targeting old folks and convincing them they need to have damp proof work carried out in their homes.

In one case, an 82-year-old widower from Sutton received a phone call from the company at 10am offering a free survey on his property. The company representative arrived at noon and by 2pm had pressurised the bewildered pensioner into signing a contract for more than £1,700. Half an hour later workmen from the company arrived to start the work.

The pensioner rang St Helens Council's Trading Standards for help and when he told the workmen that a Trading Standards officer was on his way, they fled before beginning the work. The Council officer helped the pensioner to cancel the contract.

Councillor Terry Hanley, Portfolio Member for the Environment, said: "Luckily this gentleman was just in time to stop the work and cancel the contract but not all the company's victims are so fortunate. The company usually ensures that the work is carried out on the same day that the customer signs the contract, giving them little chance to get their money back.

"Anyone receiving a call from a damp proofing company offering a free survey should decline the offer. And any St Helens resident who does have problems with damp should contact a company which is recommended by a friend or is a member of a recognised trade association".

Anyone with a query regarding a contract you have signed in the home for anything, can ring St Helens Trading Standards for advice on 01744 456306. In all cases you are urged to act quickly.