Cumbria Trading Standards team is warning residents in the Carlisle area to be on their guard from cold callers offering to carry out tarmacing work and pressure washing services.
The county council-run organisation says it has received reports of doorstep callers operating in the area.
A spokesperson said: "Consumers should be extremely cautious when approached by any doorstep callers offering to sell goods or conduct work on their property.
"These types of callers often use persuasive or aggressive tactics to get people to agree to have work carried out and then charge far more than was quoted for poor quality work or goods.
"They often fail to provide a legally required cancellation notice which enables the householder to cancel the work in certain circumstances.
"Trading Standards advice is to always say no to any cold callers and we ask that you look out for elderly or vulnerable family, friends and neighbours."
*If you have been cold called or wish to report an incident please contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or alternatively contact Cumbria Police on 101.
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