OVER the past week, Cornwall Council Trading Standards officers have received complaints from residents who are being targeted by cold callers, allegedly using high pressure selling techniques to supply and install domestic alarm systems in the homes of older people.

In the reported cases, the systems have appeared to be significantly overpriced and unsuitable for their intended purpose.

Andy May, Trading Standards authorised officer, said: 'When a trader agrees a contract at your home, they are required to provide a notice of cancellation, giving you the protection of a 14-day cooling off period, in which you can change your mind.

'If the trader starts work before the end of the 14 days, without your express written consent, then you are not liable to pay any money whatsoever.

'Unfortunately in some cases, we are concerned that the prospective customers may be inadvertently waiving their right to cancel, allowing installation work to start immediately.

'It is important to read all documents that you are given carefully, particularly where it requires your signature.

'Some traders appear to be deliberately using pre-prepared waivers, which we do not consider to be in the spirit of the law.

'Customers are signing the waivers and allowing work to start, without realising what it is they are signing and the potential implications that this might have on their consumer rights.'

Trading Standards encourages consumers not to purchase goods or services from traders who call at their door unexpectedly, or following an unsolicited phone call.

Trading Standards is appealing for anyone, particularly concerned neighbours or relatives of vulnerable consumers, who may have any information in respect of these sales or practices, to report them on 0300 1234 191.