CUMBRIA Trading Standards and United Utilities are warning residents in the county to be on their guard from cold callers claiming to want to talk about poor water pressure.

Bogus callers take advantage of others due to the increased communication around saving water during this hot dry weather.

United Utilities staff members always carry photo identification cards. Customers can also check anyone claiming to be from United Utilities by calling 0345 6723 723.

Cumbria Trading Standards advise consumers to be extremely cautious when approached by any doorstep callers offering services 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 people are asked to look out for elderly or vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.

If you have been cold called or wish to report an incident please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or alternatively contact Cumbria Police on 101.