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Older and more vulnerable adults are more at risk from becoming victims of bogus cold calling or rogue doorstep sellers. Although some businesses who sell at the door are genuine a proportion of these are rogue doorstep sellers selling services such as home improvements and repairs, security systems, mobility aids, gardening services etc.
These doorstep sellers appear to be trustworthy and genuine but once you have let a doorstep seller into your home, they will be expecting a sale - and they won't give up easily. Rogue doorstep sellers will usually insist on starting the work the same day and will often ask for cash upfront. They may offer to take you to the bank or building society so you can get the money out. These are some of the phrases they may use:
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“We are only in the area today”
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“We were doing a job in the area and we have some materials left over”
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"I noticed you've got a few loose tiles on your roof..."
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"There have been a lot of burglaries in the area recently......"
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"This cut-price special offer is only available if you sign today...."
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“If you pay by cash we will give you a discount”
If you are in doubt just say ‘no, sorry I don’t buy at the door’ and close the door.
To help Trading Standards and the police to tackle this problem, residents in Cheshire are urged to report any suspicious incidents to trading standards on 08454 04 05 06. Please keep a watchful eye on your relatives and neighbours.
For help and advice on doorstep selling or any other consumer problems please call our advice line on 08454 04 05 06 or e-mail tsconsumeradvice@cheshire.gov.uk
How to Report a Doorstep Crime Scam
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