Multiple reports of ‘doorstep scammers’ operating in the Verwood area have been made in recent weeks affecting elderly and vulnerable residents.
Scammers are knocking on house doors in the town saying work is desperately needed on parts of the property, including roofs and gardens.
They then proceed to carry out the work and demand sometimes thousands of pounds in cash.
Age UK has a page for anyone worried about doorstep scams here. “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,” the site says.
The Government is encouraging residents to be ‘scam savvy’ and take note of specials websites set up with advice and information, including takefive-stopfraud.org.uk for online scams.
Dorset Police says the crimes fall into two categories:
Distraction burglars will attempt to use convincing stories to manipulate their way into someone’s home. They may claim to be from a reputable authority such as the police or the council, be a representative from a utility company or even be a neighbour looking for a lost ball. Once inside the property, they will steal goods themselves, or distract the homeowner while an unseen accomplice takes items of value.
Rogue traders will approach a property and offer services such as gardening work, gutter clearing, window cleaning or other house maintenance. They may claim that this work is necessary for their own safety, or that a local council has authorised the work. They carry out unnecessary or overpriced work, at a cost often higher than originally quoted.
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