A DAMP proofing company which masqueraded as chartered surveyors to prey on vulnerable residents has been fined £4,000 by Blackburn magistrates.

Blackburn with Darwen trading standards officers today said they hoped the case would act as a warning to other companies which attempt to dupe residents out of money.

The firm, Protex Home Improvements Ltd, of Admirals Way, Docklands, London, fell foul of trading standards after offering elderly people free damp proofing surveys -- then charging for work carried out.

Councillor Frank Connor, executive member for citizen and consumer rights at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "I am very pleased to see a successful prosecution of this company.

"The fact that this company continued to sell its services, without providing consumers with notice of their statutory cancellation rights, indicates a deliberate course of action that we will not tolerate in the borough."

Trading standards investigated two cases. In the first, a couple were contacted by telephone and offered a free damp-proof survey. Representatives from the company persuaded them to sign a contract for services.

But after trading standards stepped in, the woman -- who is in a poor state of health -- was subjected to a series of threatening telephone calls from the company.

The second couple alerted trading standards before work started and were able to cancel their deposit cheque.

Joanne Barkworth, principal trading standards officer, said: "We are grateful to the consumers who were prepared to stand up as witnesses in this case.

"It is possible that this firm may emerge in future, under a different name, so consumers should remain on their guard."

Protex Home Improvements Ltd was found guilty of two counts of failing to disclose their full business identity on their paperwork, two counts failing to give to consumers notice in writing of their right to cancel the contract within seven days, one count of falsely and knowingly describing themselves as chartered surveyors. Full costs awarded to the council were £2,963.50

The company failed to appear in court.

District Judge Firth, said the breach of the cancellation rights legislation, specifically designed to protect vulnerable consumers, was "a serious matter."