Bogus Callers
This is a message from Neighbourhood Alert Information sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police
Message sent by
Antony Crofts (Police, SGT 879, East & West Bassetlaw)
At lunchtime on Thursday 18th April 2013 an elderly resident in the Ranskill area answered the door to an uninvited caller. The caller was a white male aged about 25 years and was making use of a white van with no further details.
The male caller suggested that the resident should pay cash for VAT on roofing repairs completed. The elderly resident had roofing work completed some 2 to 3 years ago and instantly recognised this call as a scam and sent the caller away without payment and contacted the Police. The residents quick thinking and prompt contact with Police allowed officers to attend the area and search for the possible fraudster. Whilst on this occasion the man in the van was not located, I have no doubt that the actions of the resident had the effect of causing the man in the van to leave the area.
Residents are encouraged to ensure that the identity of callers is checked. Do not let anyone into your house you do not want in. They may be smartly dressed and often claim to be from the police, the council or the ‘water board’. They sometimes claim to be builders or gardeners and try to trick you into paying for unnecessary work. You should never agree to have any work done by someone who is just passing by. If you need work doing, get at least three quotes from reputable companies.
Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs. Beware of one distracting you at your door while the other enters your home via another door and steals your property. The best advice is to keep them out.
Ensure your back door is locked if you are answering the front door to someone you don’t know.
Watch out for anyone who says they’re in a hurry or it’s an emergency. Don’t let them pressure you.
If in doubt, call a neighbour or friend or the police.
Sgt 879 Crofts.
East Bassetlaw Neighbourhood Sergeant.