Beware of bogus doorstep sellers posing as ex-offenders
November 1, 2022
Average read time: 1 minute
There have been reports of bogus doorstep sellers posing as ex-offenders targeting homes across Cheshire West and Chester, following a rise in such incidents nationally.
The unwelcome callers tell residents that they are visiting homes as part of a probation service scheme. There is no such scheme in operation, but the callers may also show a bogus ‘pedlar's certificate’ or permit to try to validate their scam.
The Council’s Director of Environment and Communities, Maria Byrne said:
Residents are being advised to report any incidents to Cheshire Police on 101, or to Action Fraud to help track down a scammer.
There are a few things you can do to feel safer when answering the door, such as:
- Putting up a deterrent sign - You could put a ‘no cold callers’ sign up on your door or window, which should deter any cold callers from knocking on your door.
- Setting up passwords for utilities - You can set up a password with your utility companies to be used by anyone they send round to your home. Phone your utility company to find out how to do this.
- Nominating a neighbour - Find out if you have a nominated neighbour scheme where a neighbour can help to make sure if callers are safe.