TRADING standards officers have warned residents to be ‘cautious’ of street sellers who are plaguing the town.

A Padgate resident has revealed how she fell victim to a door-to-door salesman.

Theresa Fong, aged 54, of Vulcan Close, agreed to pay £1,200 for a 43ins widescreen TV in 2007 and was told by the company that she would have to pay the sum over three years.

Theresa was paying between £20 and £25 into a box joined to the device each week to use it.

She said: “We thought it should already be paid for by now and asked if we could have a card saying how much we owed.”

Earlier this year, Theresa was shocked to discover she still owed £2,227, a sum more than £1,000 above the agreed price.

She removed the box and told the company she had paid more than enough.

A few weeks ago her friend – who has learning difficulties – was housesitting and was confronted by an aggressive salesman demanding that she opened the door. He left after Theresa convinced him over the phone that her friend did not live at the house.

“Don’t buy anything off them at all. Try to save and buy your own things,” added Theresa.

Diane Somerset, of Northolt Court, Padgate, also fell victim to the tradesmen.

After months of hassle, the 57-year-old approached the financial ombudsman to get the debt she owed for a television cleared because it had spiralled beyond what she thought she had agreed to.

Clr Scott Wilson (LD – Poulton North) said that the door-to-door traders’ offers often seem appealing to people but the contracts can be deceiving, with the original terms being extended.

He said: “People should speak to somebody who understands the paperwork) or contact the citizens’ advice bureau – you could have that contract for up to five years.”

Edwina Greenwood, principal trading standards offer, said people should be given paperwork explaining their cancellation rights.

She said: “We advise that before agreeing to any purchase people should take the opportunity to compare prices. Always look at the total price that you will be paying as well as the annual percentage rate.”

If you have any concerns about a contract that you have signed contact trading standards on 08454 040506.