Cumbria Trading Standards are warning residents in the Carlisle area not to buy ‘cheap’ mattresses from the back of a van.
A spokesperson said: "At worst they could be a fire hazard and at best uncomfortable and dirty.
"Sales are often straight from the back of a van by rogue traders touring neighbourhoods and looking for opportunist sales. But they are not bargains at all: often they are simply discarded old mattresses that have been recovered by unscrupulous dealers who then sell them on ‘as new’.
"Our advice is simple...
- Don’t let uninvited doorstep sellers of any kind into your home.
- For all your goods or services it is better to deal with reputable traders operating out of fixed premises who you know and trust.
- Look out for your family & those most vulnerable in your community.
- Report suspicious activity to Trading Standards or the Police.
"If you have any concerns regarding cold callers please contact us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call Cumbria Police on 101."
