RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard after a representative from an energy supply company tried to use trick tactics to get a sale.

The warning comes from a Rubery resident who says he nearly fell victim to the aggressive tactics used by a saleswoman from Scottish Power.

Richard Crook, of Leasowe Road, says the saleswoman asked for his details in order to send him an information pack about what Scottish Power had to offer, when she visited at around 3pm last Thursday.

"She asked me to give out my details so I could be sent an information pack. I thought nothing of it, until she asked me for my bank details," he said.

"Of course I refused, at that point she continued to try and get my details and started to become aggressive when I wouldn't give in to her. She then ripped up the paper she was filling in and asked me to put it in the bin before leaving."

After the saleswoman had left, a shocked Mr Crook put the pieces of paper together, only to find the saleswoman was filling in a supply application form.

He added: "I don't know what would have happened if I had given her my details. People need to be warned about this because there are a lot of elderly people around here that may give out information just because they are tricked into it or scared by the person's aggressive manner."

A spokesman for Scottish Power said: "There was a representative from Scottish Power in the area on that day and that person has now been suspended while an investigation into the matter is carried out. All other representatives in Leasowe Road have been withdrawn."

A spokeswoman for Bromsgrove police, said: "The correct thing was done in the situation. People should never give out their bank details at the door or over the phone unless they are sure they know who they are dealing with. We are glad Scottish Power are looking into it."

christopher.flavell@midlands.

newsquest.co.uk