ST ALBANS: Bogus gardeners have been preying on elderly and vulnerable residents, prompting Trading Standards officers to warn people to be on their guard.

After recent reports of cold callers fleecing people in the district, officers have repeated advice to residents to know their rights and feel confident enough to say “no” to those pretending to be from legitimate companies.

They recommend people avoid engaging in conversation with cold callers, and should the caller become aggressive or refuse to leave, to call the police.

If in doubt, do not open the door to unexpected callers, and check that all your doors are locked. If the caller claims to be on official business, ask for their ID and check it with the company they claim to represent but do not let them in until you have done this.

If you do decide to have work done by a cold caller, they must give you a notice advising that you are legally entitled to a seven-day cancellation period. If the trader has started work without doing this, the contract is unenforceable and you do not have to pay anything.