AN ENERGY firm has launched an internal investigation following reports that its workers were cold calling Flintshire residents.

Flintshire Trading Standards is making residents aware of a number of males cold calling in the county.

A spokesman for Crime prevention charity OWL said: "They are working for a company called TOTO Energy.

"Sales reps for the company are incorrectly informing Council property residents that all council properties are being switched to TOTO Energy - this is incorrect and the company is not associated with Flintshire County Council.

"Flintshire Trading Standards would like to remind residents that buying products or services on the doorstep is risky, as you will probably not be able to contact the trader should something go wrong with the product/service and there may be safety and hygiene implications regarding products.

"Additionally if a trader attempts to sell items or services in a consumer’s home then The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 apply.

"These regulations apply to contracts which are made during both solicited and unsolicited visits to a consumer’s home.

"A 14 day cancellation notice must be given if the contract to buy goods or services is for £42 or more, failure to do so is a criminal offence."

Flintshire Trading Standards offers no cold calling sticker which residents can place in a prominent position on their window or door.

These act as a deterrent to cold callers, and if they ignore it they could be considered to be committing a criminal offence.

Anyone who would like to request some stickers for them and/or their family, friends or neighbours can contact Flintshire Trading Standards on 01352 703181.

Incidents can be reported to Citizens Advice Service on: 03454 04 05 06.

A spokesman for TOTO Energy told the Leader: "We were notified of similar concerns yesterday (Wednesday).

"We take reports of this nature very seriously and have launched an internal investigation.

"As an immediate step we have suspended all sales activity in this area pending the outcome of our investigation.

"If customers or members of the public have any concerns they should contact us on: 03332107070."