The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is cracking down on door-to-door salespeople, saying many of them prey on elderly and vulnerable targets.

The ACCC has released a new report showing 1.3 million door-to-door sales were made last year.

The competition watchdog says Australian households are door knocked an average of eight times a year.

The ACCC is concerned with a large number of cases that have seen "appalling behaviour" towards people whom it says are vulnerable.

"The disturbing thing was the number of times we found that people weren't following the rules set out in the ACL (Australian Consumer Law) for unsolicited selling, like when you call and identify yourself," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.

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"Secondly, people were misleading consumers about exactly why they were knocking on their door.

"Most disturbingly, we found that the door-to-door sellers were singling out vulnerable consumers."

Consumer groups and some politicians are considering introducing a Do Not Knock register, which would allow households to join a list of addresses that door-to-door sellers must stay away from.

The ACCC will also provide free Do Not Knock stickers to consumers, along with a door hanger to remind customers of their rights before they answer the door.

"They can ask the person to leave and the person should then leave," Mr Sims said.

"They should be under no pressure to sign something, there's just no reason to do that.

"Whatever reason you're being told about the urgency of signing up now is usually not right.

"If for some reason they do sign, if only to get rid of the person if they are feeling pressured, they can ring up within 10 days and cancel the contract."

Mr Sims says customers with concerns should note the company represented by the sales agent and contact the ACCC, which will investigate their complaints.

The plans will be discussed at a parliamentary inquiry next week.