WREXHAM Council is warning residents about the dangers of purchasing mattresses and beds from cold callers.

They stated that there have been a number of reports around North Wales of people selling these products from the back of vans, and have warned the public that if someone approaches you about buying one, it is very important that you do not get drawn into making a big mistake.

A spokesperson for Wrexham Council, said: "If you get a knock at your door and you’re offered something for a fraction of its retail price, we can see why you might be tempted to hand over your money, but there’s so many reasons why this is extremely dangerous.

"Quite simply, buying products from ‘a man in a van’ isn’t a risk worth taking.

"You’re leaving yourself open to handing over cash for something that’s substandard, hasn’t gone through any kind of testing, and in the case of beds and mattresses these dangers can be fatal.

"The beds and mattresses aren’t what they appear to be.

"Sometimes the product you’re being offered was made from used spring units and dirty fillings, even if it looks fine on the outside.

"Or it was possibly made for less than £50 from a very basic spring unit with a polyester fibre pad or a layer of cheap foam over it, and covered in a cheap material, but that’s if you’re lucky."

The council highlighted the hidden dangers of purchasing untested beds and mattresses, as it could lead to a potentially fatal hazard anywhere near you or your family, due to them not meeting the UK's mattress flammability regulations.

Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for people – communities, partnerships public protection and community safety, added: "If cold callers are offering to sell you a bed or mattress, it will almost certainly be a substandard product that’s low in quality, and the mattress won’t have been tested against UK mattress flammability regulations.

"If you’re told a bed is worth £900, but you can have it for £300 or less, that can seem tempting to some people, although the reality is that this product would have been put together for a fraction of the ‘cheap’ or ‘bargain’ price you’re being offered it for.

"It’s really important to be aware of this type of scam so you don’t fall victim to it."

The people selling these can be extremely convincing too, as they may have company names very similar to well-known brands, with professional looking logos emblazoned on their vans and polo shirts, but their products are far from what they seem.

If they sense you are not sure, they will tell you how it is all legit and it is just excess stock from a store that was closing down, or perhaps from a cancelled order.

The product might be wrapped up in plastic to look nice and shiny with labels showing their supposed recommended retail prices, but it is not what it appears to be.

The council spokesperson, added: "Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is."

If you want to complain or get any advice about goods or services you have bought, contact Citizens Advice’s Consumer Advice Line on 0808 223 1133.