Bogus Callers

Dear residents. 

The Nedge Safer Neighbourhood Team have been contacted by a number of residents, predominantly in the Stirchley area, reporting bogus callers, with some entering homes uninvited. 

Unwanted knocks at the door from people trying to sell you products can be a nuisance, especially if they happen regularly.

Sometimes these visitors’ intentions are fraudulent, whether it’s to sell counterfeit goods or services or simply gather information about you or the property. In some cases, fraudsters may even pretend to be from your utilities company and use the excuse of needing to take a meter reading as a way to gain access to your house.

To find out more about staying safe, visit our personal fraud advice pages. 

What is the impact?

Unwanted calls and visits from strangers can be stressful and a nuisance, but too many of either and you can start to feel targeted in your own home or afraid of the phone ringing. It needn’t be this way. Follow the steps below to take control of who can contact you, and how they can do it.

What you can do

Most door-to-door callers are simply trying to sell you something. If you don’t like the way they speak to you or you feel they’re calling too often, simply ask them for their company’s details and make a complaint.

It may also be worth leaving a sign or sticker near your doorbell or letterbox saying ‘no cold callers, thank you’. This will be enough to deter most sensible salespeople.

Avoiding fraudsters

Anyone who calls at your door should have some form of identification. You are well within your rights to ask for this and make a note of their details.

Never give out banking or personal details to anyone you’re unsure about. If you can’t be certain if a visitor is genuinely who they say they are, ask them to come back at a later date. This gives you time to verify their identity and perhaps also arrange for a relative or friend to be there.

Remember, it’s ok to tell visitors you’re not interested or ask them to leave if you aren’t comfortable. Legitimate visitors will understand.

Finally, if you suspect fraud, please report fraud to us. The methods fraudsters use can be extremely clever - there’s no shame in having been caught out.

For more information, please contact the Nedge Safer Neighbourhood Team at: nedge.snt@westmercia.police.uk  or alternatively, Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111

Kind regards 

PCSO Ellis 40420