NORTH Yorkshire County Council’s trading standards are warning people to be on their guard against cold callers selling cleaning products.
Officers said the number of incidents of cold callers selling sub-standard and potentially unsafe cleaning products was growing.
These cold-callers, who frequently introduce themselves as ex-armed forces personnel, or ex-offenders on a community scheme, are often targeting, the vulnerable and elderly, according to trading standards.
“We are very concerned at the growing number of incidents around the county where vulnerable residents are targeted and duped into buying extremely poor quality dusters and other cleaning materials,” said County Councillor Andrew Lee, Executive Member for Trading Standards. “These cold-callers use a range of tactics to generate sympathy and we know of cases where people have paid as much as £200 for products that are practically worthless.”
Residents should report incidents of cold-calling to the Citizens Advice Bureau or if they feel threatened, phone North Yorkshire Police on 101.
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