Cold Callers - MetEngage Barnehurst

Dear Residents,

 

DOOR TO DOOR FRAUD

 

Door to door scams involve criminals knocking on your door and unexpectedly offering products or services.  Fraudsters convince you to pay for goods or work which is often overpriced, of poor quality or is not even carried out.  In many cases, this work isn't even necessary.  They may use intimidation and pressure you to make  quick decisions so that you agree to their demands.

 

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

 

Always check their identity.  If you are not happy about a person's identity do not let them into your house under any circumstances.

 

Never leave your front door open/unlocked and unattended, so a second individual can't enter without your knowledge.

 

Take time to consider your options and research costs from other providers.  If in doubt contact you local Trading Standards

 

If you feel pressured by any cold caller, have the confidence to be firm and say no.

 

Legitimate builders do not call door to door.

 

Call the Citizens Advise Consumer Helpline following a doorstep caller on 03454 04 05 06

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/416162/Cold-Callers

5 tips to help older people avoid scams

Fraudsters regularly target older people in the hopes of stealing substantial savings built up over a lifetime, with older scam victims losing an average of almost £4,000 each.

We've rounded up five tips to reduce scams risks for older people, including how to deter dodgy doorstep sellers and protecting against scam callers.

 

Protect yourself and your loved ones

 

Source: Which? (11 Mar 2025)

Debt scam warning

A letter, call, email, text or doorstep visit demanding payment can be an alarming and confusing experience – particularly if it comes out of the blue.

It could be a scammer posing as a bailiff or a genuine debt collector chasing payments after fraudsters have racked up debt in your name. Here are some tips to help you act quickly and stay calm should you receive an unrecognised debt demand.

Be alert for scam bailiffs

Source: Which? (26 Feb 2025)

4 common charity scams

Christmas is the season of giving, making it a perfect opportunity for scammers looking to take advantage of your generosity.

From fraudsters posing as well-known charities on the street to doorstep fundraising scams, the fakers are out there. Find out how to make sure your donations are going to a genuinely good cause. Steer clear of fake charities

 

Source: Which? (17 Dec 2024)

SCAMARAMA: Don't Get Gummed Up by Phony Fat Burners!

Action Fraud receives over 100 reports of "People's Keto Gummies" scam emails!

Watch out, folks! A new scam is targeting Brits, promising magical weight loss with "People's Keto Gummies." Don't be fooled! These emails are designed to steal your personal and financial information.

Here's the lowdown:

• The emails claim "People's Keto Gummies" will burn fat. This is a blatant lie. There's no magic bullet for weight loss.
• The emails contain links to malicious websites. Clicking these links could download malware or take you to a fake website that looks real but steals your information when you enter it.

How to Fight Back:

• Report suspicious emails! Forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk.
• Report scam websites! Tell the National Cyber Security Centre: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/contact-us
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never click on links in emails. Go directly to a company's website by typing the address into your browser.
• Don't share personal information with strangers. This includes your name, address, phone number, and especially your bank details!

Beyond Emails: Stay Alert to Other Scams!

Scammers don't just use email. Here are some other common cons to watch out for:

• Door-to-Door Scams: Unsolicited salespeople pushing overpriced or shoddy goods, or even using surveys as a way to collect your personal information.
• Courier Fraud: Fake calls from your bank or law enforcement claiming to need your PIN or credit card details.
• Nottingham Knockers: Young salespeople (often with fake IDs) selling overpriced cleaning products and potentially targeting homes for future burglaries.

Remember:

• Don't be embarrassed to report a scam. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to stop the scammers.
• There's no shame in being targeted. Scammers are clever, and anyone can be a victim.
• Report scams to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

By staying informed and being cautious, you can protect yourself from these scams and keep your hard-earned cash safe!

Doorstep crime

Rogue traders are active across London – if you are not sure don’t open the door

You can help protect yourself with some common simple precautions;

• Use a door chain so you can check who’s calling
• Don’t trade on the door step
• Ask a trusted friend or family member for advice on reputable traders
• Display a sticker visible to callers saying “No cold calling”
• Report suspicious activity to Police or Citizens Advice

For more information and Source: https://www.londontradingstandards.org.uk/projects/doorstep-crime/

Signs to look out for to avoid being scammed by doorstep scammers

https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/signs-to-look-out-for-to-avoid-being-scammed-by-doorstep-scammers (2 May 2024)

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Trading Standards launch Don’t Deal At The Door Campaign booklet

 

Trading Standards If in doubt, keep them out!

Trading Standards If in doubt, keep them out! booklet (pdf), is packed filled with information and advice on doorstep crime and how to spot and avoid rogue traders at your front door and online.

Here's also the link to download the LTS doorstep crime campaign booklet (pdf).

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Warning about cold calling 'companies' offering to clean drive ways and roofs

Bexley Neighbourhood Watch have been contacted by two residents who would like to warn everyone about cold calling 'companies' offering to clean drive ways and roofs.  

On Monday 23^rd May a young man with an Irish accent was knocking on doors in Fairlawn Avenue, Bexleyheath.  There were two vans, one silver and one a turquoise, both had Irish number plates and displaying the name Bestway Steam Cleaning & Home Improvement.  Registration numbers 02-D-56921 and 09-MN 631.

Another outfit (Pro Star) was seen operating in Heversham Road, Bexleyheath.  Initially, they offered to clean a roof for £500, then the price jumped to £2,200.  When confronted about the price the workman became very aggressive.  The van was small, possibly a VW Caddy, registration number HJ58 XTF.

Residents are warned to be careful when dealing with seasonal door step traders.

Trading Standards’ advice is to ignore doorstep cold callers and instead check first with your insurance company whether you are covered for the cost of the works you need.

For those who are not covered by insurance, Bexley’s What Tradesman? scheme can help you find a reputable trader.

To report a rogue trader operating in the area, or if you need advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Bexley's Beware of ROGUE TRADERS-gif

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Bexley’s What Tradesman Scheme are vetted by Trading Standards

Bexley's What Tradesman Scheme - click image to view enlarged

Residents are reminded of Bexley's What Tradesman Scheme https://whattradesman.org.uk/ where, all the traders are local and have been vetted by Trading Standards.

FIND A TRADER AND RATE THEIR SERVICES

Need a reliable trader? The Bexley The London Borough of Bexley “What Tradesman Scheme” will help take the headache out of finding someone by using the Trader Register to find a local trader, leave and see feedback.

JOIN THE TRADER REGISTER SCHEME

Traders registering with the scheme demonstrate their commitment to fair and honest trading practices and agree to work with Trading Standards to resolve problems if they should occur.

Beware Doorstep Crime

• Doorstep Crime
• LTS doorstep crime campaign booklet

Bexley's What Tradesman Scheme-gif

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Trading Standards launch Don’t Deal At The Door Campaign booklet

click image to view enlarged

Here's the link to download the LTS doorstep crime campaign booklet (pdf) OR open the booklet to view in new window.

It's filled with information and advice on how to spot and avoid rogue traders at your front door and online.

Source: London Trading Standards (18-05-2022)

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Be wary of rogue traders

Bexley Trading Standards are warning residents that rogue traders could use the aftermath of Storm Eunice as an opportunity to defraud consumers.

Trading Standards advise residents to be wary of rogue traders offering to carry out property repairs, such as damaged roofing, fencing and the removal of fallen trees.

Scammers often claim unnecessary repairs need to be carried out or charge exorbitant prices for poor-quality work. Some rogue traders will take money for materials and then disappear without doing any work at all. Others may quote low prices but demand more money later.

Trading Standards’ advice is to ignore doorstep cold callers and instead check first with your insurance company whether you are covered for the cost of the works you need.

For those who are not covered by insurance, Bexley’s What Tradesman? scheme can help you find a reputable trader.

To report a rogue trader operating in the area, or if you need advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Source: https://www.bexley.gov.uk/news/be-wary-rogue-traders

Rogue traders masquerading as 'Cedar Tree Care' Scam

The Blackfen and Lamorbey Safer Neighbourhoods Policing team are asking residents to take care when employing garden services, especially if the company has cold called.   

Checkatrade member - Cedar Tree Care recently sold one of their vehicles (similar to the one pictured),

however at least two unaffiliated males are now trading off the reputable company's name and scamming customers.  One local resident was scammed for £400.  

Please be cautious and reject any offers of work by cold callers.  If in doubt, please contact Cedar Tree Care directly  on tel: 01708983265 quoting the vehicle registration number.  If the vehicle does not belong to the genuine company, please report to the police immediately.

Watch the useful video at https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2022/01/doorstep-selling-scams-and-how-to.html

Doorstep selling scams and how to protect yourself

Doorstep scams take place when someone comes to your door and tries to scam you out of your money or tries to gain access to your home. 

Doorstep scammers aren't always pushy and persuasive, they may seem polite or friendly. So if you're not expecting someone it's important to be vigilant when you answer the door, especially if you live on your own.

It can be very easy to fall victim to a scam, but you can be scam savvy if you know what to look out for.

Watch this very useful video:-

For further information on doorstep scams visit ageuk.

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Energy scams

National Trading Standards director Wendy Martin said: "Criminals are exploiting people's genuine efforts to make their homes more eco-friendly. Residents are pressurised on their doorsteps and peppered with phone calls, emails and SMS messages.

"They often include false claims about Government schemes and regulations with regard to boilers, insulation and double glazing.

"As all of us try to play our part to help tackle climate change, it's important we do so safely without being conned by criminals." Ms Martin has urged people to report suspicious approaches and take part in awareness training.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/1532046/green-scams-households-targeted

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/avoid-and-report-energy-scams

Protecting yourself and others from doorstep scams

It is possible to protect yourself and the people you care about from these kinds of scams. Deterrents like CCTV cameras and ‘no doorstep sellers’ stickers in the window really are effective, according to Trading Standards.

• Regularly check in on elderly or vulnerable relatives. Ask if they’ve had anyone knocking at their door recently. Leave notes on the back of the door to remind them to not hand cash or personal details over to any strangers that call by might also be helpful.
• Adopt a blanket rule not to buy any products or services offered at the front door. A simple and concise refusal could be: ‘Sorry but I don’t buy from doorstep sellers. Thank you and goodbye.’ This goes for anyone that calls by who isn’t expected, or you haven’t made an appointment for, such as water or electric meter readings or gas engineers.
• If there are any safety fears, police and Trading Standards advise to call 999. Don’t be afraid of being a timewaster – this is a serious crime. It’s an offence for a trader to refuse to leave your property if you’ve asked.

Reporting scams or attempted fraud is important for warning others, and to inform the police. You can report to Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime The same goes for traders engaging in aggressive doorstep selling. Even if you turn them away, someone else in your area might not feel able to.

You can call Citizens Advice to report to Trading Standards, or visit its website where you can use the reporting tool to share what’s happened. The information you share will be passed onto the local Trading Standards office.

If your local area is plagued by door knockers, you can also apply to your local council to become a No Cold Calling Zone.

You could also consider installing a smart doorbell.

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

5 Things to Say to Doorstep Scammers

Doorstep scammers are masters at separating you from your hard earned cash. Make sure you have these five quick phrases to hand next time someone suspicious comes a-knocking.

5 Things to Say to Doorstep Scammers [Which? Facebook video]

Source: Which?

Watch out for scams related to census 2021

Every household is required by law to complete the census and even though Census Day – 21 March 2021 – has been and gone, it is not too late to complete a questionnaire. If you don’t complete it, you may be fined.

Official census-branded reminder letters are being sent by post to households who have not yet completed their census. A census field officer may also knock on the door of a home to provide help and encouragement to those who have not yet filled in their census questionnaire online and direct them to any support services they might need.

To help keep you safe from census-related scams, read our handy Q&A below.

I haven’t filled in my census yet – will a receive a reminder about doing so?

The ONS will send census branded reminder letters by post to households who have not yet completed their census. If someone receives a reminder letter they should complete their census as soon as possible. If they have already submitted their census form they can ignore any reminder letter.

A census field officer may also knock on the door of your home. The role of field officers is to give help and encouragement to those who have not yet filled in their census questionnaire online, or on paper, and direct them to any support services they might need to complete it. They will not enter the household, and will carry ID to show they are genuinely working on the census.

Field officers will never ask for payment or bank details.

I missed Census Day – will I be fined for a late submission?

People still have time to complete their census and should do so as soon as possible to avoid getting a fine. Any letters, phone calls, texts, or emails, attempting to take payment for a late or incorrect submission now are not genuine.

For a fine to be imposed your case must go to court for non-completion of the census. Any fines issued for those refusing to complete their census, will be done via the courts.

You will never be issued with a fine by text message, phone call or email.

I’ve received an email/text that says I need to pay a fine because I haven’t filled in my census, is this legitimate?

For a fine to be imposed your case must go to court for non-completion of the census. You will never be issued with a fine by text message, phone call, email, or on social media. You will not be fined for a mistake on your census.

The ONS have a Cyber Intelligence Team who are taking down fake sites related to the Census. If you find a site that looks suspicious or receive text messages with links to sites asking for money related to the census, do not engage with them. Report them to the Census 2021 Contact Centre by ringing 0800 141 2021 in England and 0800 169 2021 in Wales

Do census field officers get in touch before they visit? Do I need to book an appointment?

Households who have not completed their census will receive a reminder letter in the post. Field officers do not get in touch with you before they visit and you do not need to make an appointment for them to attend your home. However, you can book an appointment with the public contact centre to complete your Census over the telephone if you do not want to complete it online.

What happens when the field officers visit your home?

The role of field officers is to give help and encouragement to those who have not yet filled in their census questionnaire online, or on paper, and direct them to any support services they might need to complete it.  

The only personal information a field officer requires is your name. If you need a new online code to fill out the census, you will be asked to provide your phone number.

Field officers will never ask to see personal documents like passports, pay slips or birth certificates. Field officers will never ask for payment or your bank details. They will never ask for your national insurance number.

Field officers do not need to enter your home.

How do I know a field officer is legitimate?

Census field officers carry ID to show they are genuinely working on the census and will be wearing Census branded high vis. They do not need to enter your home and they cannot issue fines.

Will census field officers ask for my personal information?

The only personal information a field officer requires is your name. If you need a new online code to fill out the census, you will be asked to provide your phone number.

Field officers will never ask to see personal documents like passports, pay slips or birth certificates. Field officers will never ask for payment or your bank details. They will never ask for your national insurance number.

Field officers do not need to enter your home.

Can census field officers fine me on the doorstep?

Census field officers will never ask for a payment on the doorstep. The role of field officers is to give help and encouragement to those who have not yet filled in their census questionnaire online, or on paper, and direct them to any support services they might need to complete it.  

You are required to complete the census by law. If you refuse, you can be interviewed under caution. This may be followed by a court summons, a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record.

Source: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/watch-out-for-scams-related-to-census-2021 [06-04-2021]

Doorstep crime, new tactics to prevent online fraud and illegal bikers

A 96-year-old D-Day veteran is brutally attacked on his doorstep. Police in Taunton, Somerset, quickly arrest his attacker after tracking his spending habits

If you think criminals are getting away with it, think again! 

This ten-part series takes a very different look at crime, showing how the police and the public are using smart technology and specialist tactics to prevent crime and bring offenders to justice. 

Frontline Fightback, narrated by Rav Wilding, features an array of equipment, including cameras that can spot crimes almost before they happen, software that can quickly identify repeat offenders, sophisticated satellite tracking and high-tech drones fitted with heat-seeking technology. 

While police forces across the UK embrace these changes, the series also looks at how tech companies and universities are developing still more crime-fighting technologies that, it is hoped, will transform policing in the 21st Century. 

The series features victims of crime and shows how a combination of smart technology, specialist tactics and great police work are starting to make a real difference. 

A 96-year-old D-Day veteran is brutally attacked on his doorstep. Incredibly, he survives, and police in Taunton, Somerset, quickly arrest his attacker after tracking his spending habits and lying in wait at a McDonalds restaurant. Online banking fraud is one of the UK’s fastest growing crimes, but the latest voice recognition software is helping banks identify fraudsters and prevent them stealing our money. And a special West Midlands Police unit is targeting illegal off-road bikers who are putting the safety of other road users at risk.

Source: BBC iPlayer - Frontline Fightback Series 1: Episode 5

Bogus Council workers and 'Distraction Burglary' advice

Trading Standards received a report that yesterday 2 men turn up at an address in Penpool Lane DA16 2AE (the resident was an 87-year-old female).  They wore trainers, jeans, sweatshirts and peaked caps and claimed to be from the trees department at Bexley Council. They drove a plain white van, wore no high vis jackets and they didn't show any ID.

They were said they needed to cut the conifer trees down at the back of the property that led onto John Newton Court. Then wanted to charge the elderly resident for the waste clearance. They were very forceful when knocking and wanting to come down the side of the house. When met with a 'No' they then tried persistently to go through the house, but they were refused further access.

Citizens Advice have produced a useful leaflet (PDF) on What is distraction burglary?.

The Crime Prevention website also give advice on Bogus Callers (Distraction burglary) that you may find useful.

Fighting Doorstep Crime leaflet (PDF) on Distraction Burglary gives useful tips and advice in preventing this crime.

Call the police 999 if you feel at risk or are concerned for a neighbour.

Tackling doorstep crime during the lockdown

 

Remember: Stop, Challenge, Check and Protect.

Visit Crimestoppers for more information on staying safe.