In Lytham and St Annes, a "small blonde" woman in a silver 4x4 has been calling door-to-door in Lytham and St Annes claiming to work for a large house builder which is selling surplus carpet stock.

The carpets sold are falsely described as being pure wool when they are actually nylon and are smaller than claimed.

Julie Debicka from the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC) said: "Trading Standards advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers.

"Do not assume credentials are genuine.

"Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting."

Trading Standards bosses said residents should be aware any contract they agree to is not binding unless they have been given information about their right to cancel in writing.

Ms Debicka added: "People agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer's home have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to or any purchases made over £35.

"However, in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far."

Anyone with information about unscrupulous traders can contact Blackpool Police on (01253) 293933 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.