17
Dec
2014
By Calvin at 11:27 GMT, 9 years ago
Press release from Cumbria Police
The following information is important, wherever you might live, as this type of con has been going on for donkey’s years!
Start
Police in Eden are investigating a number of incidents of door to door selling, where people call at homes claiming to either be deaf or rehabilitating offenders.
Reports have been received of people stating they are offenders who are in a programme of rehabilitation organised by the probation service. In other cases people have been claiming to be deaf and show a card stating that door to door sales is their only form of income. In both instances they engage householders in conversation and persuade them to purchase goods, often at inflated prices.
PC Frances Henderson said: “We have received reports that in some cases, extreme pressure is used on householders to make a purchase.
“We have been reassured by Cumbria and Lancashire Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC), who provide probation services in the local area, that they do not operate any type of schemes involving door-to-door sales.
“Our advice to homeowners is remember, it is not rude to decline to answer the door. Not Sure? Don't Open the Door!”
Cumbria Police issue the following advice to householders
- not to buy from the door
- if you are not sure who is at the door, don't open it
- keep your doors locked and windows secure at all times
- if you suspect a bogus caller has visited you, even if you didn't let them in, call the police straight away
John Greenbank, Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards Manager North, said: “Our advice in these circumstances is quite simple. If you’re wary of the caller, don’t answer the door.
“By not engaging with doorstep criminals you don’t run the risk of falling victim to their scams.
If you’ve been targeted or you know of doorstep scammers operating in your area call the police on 101 or trading standards 03454 04 05 06.
END
Door step selling advice etc http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/personal-security/697/no-cold-calling-zones-and-doorstep-selling/
