Warning after doorstep scams and burglaries

Advice from Humberside Police:

We have received two reports of concern from elderly people in the East Riding.  They have reported bogus callers which have led to theft from their homes in Hornsea and Goole.

In both cases a man was reported to have cold-called at the address discussing repairs to their drives or gardens.  After the caller left, the elderly homeowners have reported that money has been taken from within the home.

Enquiries into the reports are underway and we ask anyone with information about this offence to call us on 101 quoting reference 16/84295/21 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We would like to take the opportunity to remind people about the potential dangers of door to door ‘scammers’ or ‘bogus callers’ and ask for people to speak to their elderly friends or relatives about the dangers.

Our advice would be:

• DO NOT answer the door to anyone you don’t know or who cannot provide valid ID.
• DO NOT buy goods from door step sellers, the quality of the goods cannot be guaranteed and if there is a problem with the item you have no comeback or way to return items.

Age UK also have some very good advice about doorstep sellers at https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/doorstep-scams/

There are many different types of doorstep scams, some of the most common ones include:

• Rogue traders: A cold-caller may offer you a service you don’t really need. They may claim to have noticed something about your property that needs work or improvement, such as the roof, and offer to fix it for cash or an inflated price.
• Bogus officials: People claim to be from your utility company as a way of gaining access to your home. Always check the ID of any official, and if they’re genuine they won’t mind waiting while you check.
• Fake charity collections: A fraudster may pretend they’re from a charity and ask you to donate money, clothes or household goods. Legitimate charities will all have a charity number that can be checked on the Charity Commission website. 
• Made-up consumer surveys: Some scammers ask you to complete a survey so they can get hold of your personal details, or use it as a cover for persuading you to buy something you don’t want or need.
• Hard luck stories: Someone may come to your door and ask you to help them out with cash, ask to use your telephone or claim they’re feeling unwell. The story is made up and intended to con you out of your money or gain access to your home.

If you see or hear anything suspicious or if you think you have been a victim of this type of crime please call us on 101 to talk to us about what’s happened or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111..  We want to help you and to help prevent anyone else becoming a victim.