Cold callers - selling items

We have received a report of people cold calling in the area of Manston Road, Exeter, offering gardening and guttering work which has promoted this alert. I do hope the information provided will be a useful guide.

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. 

Most door-to-door callers are simply trying to sell you something. 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.

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.

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.

For any further information regarding cold callers/unwanted visits, please visit the Devon and Cornwall Police website.

Many thanks

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