Lancashire's Trading Standards officers are warning Lancaster homeowners to be on their guard against bogus gas men who use bullying tactics to get cash.
The department has received more than a hundred complaints and queries from worried residents who have been misled by ruthless door-to-door salesmen. The callers are taking advantage of competition in the gas market in March when people can choose their supplier. Some salesmen falsely say the gas supply could be cut off if the homeowner doesn't immediately sign up with their company, while others claim to be brokers who can get the best deal for a customer - for a £30 fee. Some people have even been told that British Gas won't be trading after March so they have no choice but to sign up elsewhere.
A British Gas spokesman said: "Our callers will show you an identity card to prove who they are. If in doubt, shut them out."
Contact Trading Standards or the Gas Consumer Council for advice.
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