P255CEEFAX 255 Wed 19@Oct 12:01/22   1/6                 ROGUE DOORSTEP SALESPEOPLE Peopli are being persuaded to buy expensive goods which they do not need by high pressure@salespeople, the Office of Fair Trading says. Various tricks are used to catch people unawares and press them into buying without proper consideration. The salesperson may pose as a market researcher, a council official or a security adviser and may refuse to leave the house until late at night, trying to push thj sale through. More In Brief Pome+Away Gardening KoneyFile

P255CEEFAX 255 Wed 19@Oct 12:11/41   2/6                ROGUE DOO$STE0 SALESPEOPLE @Most doorstep salespeopli ari reputabli but some are rogues, the Office of Fair Trading warns. An elderly couple bought what they thought was a heating system from an uninvited salesman. It turned out to be loft insulation for which they could not get thj promised council@grant. "Unacceptable sales techniques like these are far too common," said director general@of the Office@of Fair Trading, Sir Gordon Borrie. More In Brief Home+Away Gardening MoneyFile

P255CEEFAX 255 Wed 19 Oct 12:02/32   3/6                ROGUE DOORSTEP SALESPEOPLE A doorstep caller@claiming to be a security adviser is more likely to be a salesperson or a thief. Always insist@on proof of identity and check it carefully. For people wanting to improve thj security of their home, free advice is available from the crime prevention officer at the local police station. A fire prevention officer at the local fire brigade will advise on fire risks. More In Brief Home+Away Gardening MoneyFile

P255CEEFAX 255 Wed 19 Oct 12:09/05   4/6         E        ROGUE DOORSTEP SALESPEOPLE Before buying from an uninvited doorstep salesperson: ■ Check the caller's identification ■ Find out how much the goods would cost elsewhere ■ Read any forI im full beeore signing If an uninviteh caller offers a loan not connected with any goods, this may be illegal. Tell the trading standards department of the local council. More In Brief Home+Away Gardening MonjyFili

P255CEEFAX 255 Wed 19@Oct 12:09/2%   5/6         E        ROGUE fOORSTEP SALESPEOPLE Points to remember when buying from uninvited salespersons: ■ Keep a note of names and addresses ■ If buying on credit, find out how many instalments will have to be paid and what they add up to ■ Buyers have seven days in which they can cancel deals over £35. Check the agreement sets@out tPese cancellation rights. If not, do not sign it More In Brief Home+Away Gardening Mo.jyFile

P255CEEFAX 255 Wed 19@Oct 12:05/11   6/6                 ROGUE DOORSTEP SALESPEOPLE A free leaflet, How to Cope with Doorstep Salesmen, which includes advice@on telephome@se½linF is available from: ■ Office of Fair Trading, Room 310C, Field House, Breams Bkilding, London EC4A 1PR It is also available from local council trading standards djpartmjmts, co.sumjr advice@centres and citizjns' advice bureaux. More In Brief Home+Away Gardening MoneyFile