Trading Standards officers are warning households in North East Lincolnshire to be wary of cold callers offering to carry work on their homes.

The warning comes after reports of a man calling at a home in the Grimsby area offering to carry out roofing repairs and felting services.

He had no identification or calling card for his business and was reluctant to give the householder any further information other than offering repair work.

People are reminded of the additional protection which came in on 13 June 2014 that gives consumers 14 days cooling off period for contract signed away from business premises, providing the consumer does not sign a waiver to these rights.

Neil Clark, Trading Standards Manager at North East Lincolnshire Council said: “There’s only one way to stop yourself from being ripped off on your doorstep and that’s by saying ‘no’ to cold callers. At best they’re an unwanted nuisance, at worst they are ruthless criminals preying on the vulnerable. Either way, our advice remains the same – don’t do business on your doorstep.”

People who are concerned about rogue traders operating in their area should contact trading standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or online at www.adviceguide.org.uk.