Bogus Callers
There have recently been a couple of incidents in different areas of Essex where Bogus Callers have made out they were from the local council and had come to investigate and remove rats nests in the loft. These bogus callers have then proceeded to take a deposit of cash (or in at least one case with a card reader) and said they would return to remove the nest and then disappeared. If you do get a visitor along these lines, they are likely to be fraudulent. Please ring your local council direct to confirm that any caller is bonafide. Fraudsters can produce fake ID badges.
If an unknown trader knocks on your door at any time , don’t open it unless you use a door chain . Preferably, open a small window either upstairs or downstairs and speak through the window. To verify someone’s identity please ring the organisation they claim to be from. Use a number from a bill or telephone directory that you have looked up yourself – never use a telephone number provided by the caller. A bona fide caller will wait outside whilst you verify their validity – a bogus caller is also likely to disappear as soon as they know you are telephoning to check identity.
Please do not let anyone into your home if you are not expecting them. REMEMBER – Your door – Your House – Your choice. Not sure? Don’t Open the Door
Display a ‘No Cold Calling’ sticker on your front door. These are available from Trading Standards free of charge. Call them on 03454 040506.
If you do need work undertaken on your property, Trading Standards operate a ‘Buy With Confidence’ scheme, which enables residents to identify approved local traders who have readily demonstrated a commitment to high working standards, high levels of customer care and a fair trading policy.
The ’Buy with Confidence’ scheme is available via the internet https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/ or by telephone 03454 040506.
REMEMBER: NOT SURE? DON’T OPEN THE DOOR.