URGENT changes to the law are needed to combat the psychological tactics used by many doorstep salesmen, according to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

People who buy from someone knocking on their door have seven days in which to cancel any contract they sign.

But the same cooling off period does not apply to solicited calls - where a consumer asked the salesperson to visit, perhaps after reading an advertisement or mailshot.

The OFT wants the Government to extend cancellation rights so they cover all purchases made in the home, whether after a solicited or unsolicited visit.

The watchdog launched an investigation into doorstep selling in November 2002 after a complaint from the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux.

The probe found salespeople using a range of tactics and influencing techniques that can lead to consumers making purchases they later regret.

Its report, out yesterday, puts the value of goods and services sold on the doorstep or in the home at more than £2.4bn a year.

More than £200m a year is spent on products targeted at elderly or disabled people, such as stairlifts, mobility scooters and adjustable beds.

At least 15,000 complaints a year are made to trading standards departments about doorstep sales.

The OFT said psychological, high pressure tactics were used, including making the consumer feel indebted to the agent, generating a sense of urgency and gaining their trust.

Penny Boys, executive director of the OFT, said: "It is vital that consumers have adequate protection and are able to cancel contracts they later regret."

Teresa Perchard, director of policy at Citizens Advice, the charity that represents Citizens Advice Bureaux, welcomed the report, but said she was disappointed the watchdog had not recommended a 14-day cooling-off period and a scheme to allow people to opt out of being visited by doorstep sales reps.

One of the worst examples of bogus selling identified in the OFT report was an elderly man from Warwickshire.

The victim paid a trader more than £26,000 for roofing work later valued at just £3,500.

Gerry Sutcliffe, the Consumer and Competition Minister, said: "I welcome the OFT's report and will be considering its recommendations in detail over the coming weeks. We will consult thoroughly on any proposed changes to the law."

The Northern Echo launched its own Doorsteppers campaign last November in a bid to crack down on unscrupulous tradesmen.

It has won backing from police and trading standards officials throughout the North-East.