VULNERABLE pensioners were ripped off by a businessman after being duped into believing he was affiliated to registered charities, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

Samuel Eaton targeted his victims, including an 85-year-old Orford man, to mis-sell them wills and trust deeds while trading as The Pensioners' Association and The Senior Citizens' Advice Centre based on an industrial estate in Wigan.

The 66-year-old produced and used literature giving the impression he was affiliated to Age UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Sense, a charity for deaf and blind people.

"It is clear that each of his victims believed that his operations were charitable, rather than commercial ventures," said David Birrell, prosecuting.

Following telephone 'cold calls' Eaton called at their homes in Widnes, Runcorn and Warrington and after they handed over hundreds of pounds he drew up wills and trust deeds for them.

But when examined by an expert they were found to be basically useless as they were poorly drafted and contained errors, inconsistencies and had ambiguous and contradictory clauses.

An 85-year-old Orford man received a call from Eaton within days of his wife's funeral and believing he was dealing with a charity agreed to a visit to his home.

Eaton gave him misleading information about how the local authority could sell his home to pay for care home fees and quoted him a £120 fee to prepare a trust deed, rising to £1,200 if the deed was used, the court heard.

When he returned nine days later the pensioner became suspicious when asked for the balance of the £1,200 and during a heated row Eaton claimed he had slandered him and threatened his victim with legal action in May 2013.

"It amounted to scare tactics sent to a man who was particularly vulnerable," said Mr Birrell.

Trevor Parry-Jones, defending, said Eaton has no previous convictions and his business 'started as a legitimate concern.'

The court heard he became aware some people were charging £3,000 plus for advice about wills, trusts and power of attorney.

"His error was believing he could replicate that business and professional requirement but setting up his own business," added Mr Birrell.

Eaton, from Lincolnshire but who has been living in a caravan in Hastings, pleaded guilty to four offences of engaging in a commercial practice which contrived the requirement of due diligence and was handed an eight-month jail sentence.

He was also ordered to pay £3,950 in compensation and costs.

Eaton's brothers, who were in the public gallery, said they intended to ensure victims were recompensed.