People in Bradwell are being warned not to deal with cold-callers following reports of a man door-knocking in the area.

The man is reported to claim that he has recently been released from prison and is forced to sell household cleaning items as part of his release.

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council’s Trading Standards said similar cold-calling tactics had recently been reported across the county.

He said: “Officers received a report from a Bradwell resident of a male cold-calling at properties claiming to be recently out of prison and ‘having’ to sell household cleaning products as part of his release. This follows other reports about doorstep cold callers using this or similar approaches in Norfolk.

“Our advice is to never deal with anyone who cold calls at your property trying to sell something, offering to undertake work or trying to sign you up to a service no matter what claims they make. We are also calling on friends, relatives, neighbours and carers to be particularly on their guard to help keep vulnerable people in our communities safe.

“Anyone sighting these sellers or concerned about doorstep cold callers in Norfolk can contact Trading Standards through our partners, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05.

“However, if the cold-caller is threatening, aggressive or if you feel you or vulnerable neighbours are in immediate danger do not hesitate to call 999.

“People can also help keep themselves up to date by signing up to receive our weekly alerts by email.”

Great Yarmouth Police tweeted advising that anyone who sees the cold-caller reports him by calling 101 or the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.

Doorstep scammers commonly target older people, with 85pc of victims aged 65 and over, according to National Trading Standards.

Age UK advises that elderly people take a number of steps to prevent themselves from falling victim from doorstep scams, such as putting up deterrent signs in windows and doors, checking the credentials of traders and not handing over any money or personal details.

For more information about scams in the county and how to report and avoid them, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/scams