Nearly half of pensioners in Shropshire claim to have been targeted by rogue traders on their doorsteps, a survey claimed today.

Four in ten of those surveyed in the county said they had been confronted by tradesmen preying for work.

Carried out on behalf of Gas Safe Register, the official body for gas safety, the survey also claimed only two per cent of over 65s in Shropshire thought carrying an ID card was important for a tradesman.

Nearly a third — 31 per cent — said they would be happy to hand over cash for a job up front, while 42 per cent said they would not make a fuss over sub-standard work.

One in ten older people surveyed in the county also claimed they had to say no “very aggressively” to get rid of someone from their doorstep.

Paul Johnston, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said: “All too often our investigations team find illegal gas fitters specifically preying on the elderly, offering discounted OAP rates and using charm tactics.

“Many use the Gas Safe logo on their van, adverts or paperwork when they are not registered.

“With a quarter of a million gas jobs carried out every year by illegal gas fitters who don’t have the skills or the qualifications to work safely on gas, it is vital that older people always check that the engineer they use is on the Gas Safe Register or they could be putting their lives and pocket at risk.”

Age UK figures claimed nearly 2.5 million people fell victim to scams last year.

Scams in Shropshire this year included two incidents involving thieves pretending to be from “the water board” to distract homeowners. Money was stolen on both occasions, when the criminals targeted an 84-year-old Trench woman and an elderly Oswestry woman.

West Mercia police spokesman Richard Ewels said the force was running a Knock, Knock campaign aimed at eliminating the threat of rogue traders and distraction burglars.

He said: “The advice we always give is when strangers knock on your door never let them into your home.

“If people are not sure of the person’s identity we would urge them to call the police on 0300 333 3000.

“It is never a waste of time, it is better to be safe than sorry.

“Authorities like utility companies will always notify people in advance that they need to make a call.

“If in doubt, keep them out.”