CRUEL doorstep cheats who prey on elderly people claim the number one spot on a damning "top five" list of the worst swindlers, conmen and thieves.

Trading standards bosses have made tackling the tricksters, who include cowboy tradesmen, rip-off builders and confidence cheats, their number one priority.

But they say that premium rate phone scams, fake competitions with non-existent prizes, counterfeit electrical goods and unsolicited mail follow close behind.

The top five scams list comes as trading standards officers in North Yorkshire conduct a week-long campaign aimed at highlighting the dangers of dodgy dealers as part of National Consumer Week.

Graham Venn, head of North Yorkshire Trading Standards, said those who prey on the elderly and vulnerable on the doorsteps of their homes would top any list of heartless tricks.

"Bogus doorstep traders are the number one menace without a doubt. There are no morals or conscience to what they're doing and they leave people terribly distressed," he said.

"What's worse is they often target elderly and vulnerable people and often go back again and again until there is nothing left. Some will even trade names and addresses of victims.

"You can look at bogus competitions and phone lines, but most people only lose small sums of money. But when you meet an 80-year-old who has lost £20,000, it's just appalling."

North Yorkshire trading standards officers are leading calls for a complete ban on cold-calling for property repairs. A recent survey by the Trading Standards Institute found nine out of ten people wanted the practice outlawed.

Councillor Carl Les, the county council's executive member for trading standards, said: "Nobody can now dispute that doorstep selling is a major problem which hits at the very heart of our communities. Something has to be done - and done quickly."

Officers have launched a "say no to doorstep callers" sticker campaign this week in an effort to deter cheats. The stickers are available from stores in Selby, Malton, Harrogate and Easingwold.

Anyone with doubts about doorstep callers should phone 0845 3303313 to report them to the county council's trading standards service.

Swindlers list

The top five swindles, cons and tricks are:

1) Bogus doorstep traders who target the elderly and vulnerable

2) Premium rate phone call scams that rip off millions

3) Fraudulent competitions that trick hundreds of hopefuls every day

4) Counterfeit electrical products that endanger lives and children

5) Unsolicited mail which blights the letterbox of every home

Updated: 10:06 Thursday, October 21, 2004