Moves are being demanded to crack down on doorstep salesmen

Research for BT showed much distrust of salespeople, with many residents finding doorstep selling intimidating.

The study carried out by ICM showed 75% of those questioned in Scotland viewed doorstep selling as an intrusion.

And about 25% of consumers questioned said they had found it difficult to say no to the seller.

A fifth felt nervous or worried for their safety. Many residents said in the past salespeople had not identified themselves with an ID badge.

They have to comply with an industry-wide code of practice and an accreditation system.

Internet firms targeted

One of BT's suggestions is an automatic compensation of �250 to any resident transferred to a different phone or internet company without their consent.

The government last year proposed a ban on cold calling from workmen touting home repair services.

Measures were aimed at protecting vulnerable older people who are preyed on by bogus tradesmen and cowboy builders.

The move was one of a range of new proposals aimed at protecting consumers from dodgy doorstep salesmen.

A public information campaign was launched to help people resist persuasive tactics employed by such high-pressure sellers.