FEARS have been raised about cold callers who could be using customer details for identity fraud.

Consumer watchdogs in Hartlepool are reminding people to be exceptionally vigilant if approached by door-to-door salespeople.

The warning from Hartlepool Borough Council's trading standards team comes amid concerns about representatives of a Coventry-based company, asking people to sign up to mobile phone contracts.

The people who signed up were not given any documentation explaining who the representatives were, or any details about customers' rights to cancel the contract.

Equally worrying, the customers allowed the representatives to photocopy personal documents that included their bank details and even account passwords.

Hartlepool trading standards team is investigating and fears that the customers' details could be used for identity fraud.

Michael Welsh, the council's principal trading standards officer, said: "I am seriously concerned when personal details are taken down, especially in this case, when personal documentation has actually been copied.

"Also, the representatives didn't provide written details regarding the consumers' rights to cancel, which is also very worrying.

"People should always be very wary if approached by any cold callers.

"We are trying to contact this company, to check if it is bona fide, and, in the meantime, I would urge people not to give any details to these people if they receive an approach from them."

Any residents approached by these cold callers are urged to contact Hartlepool trading standards officers on (01429) 523362.