Bogus Callers, Workmen and Peddlers

Hi Everyone, 

I just wanted to remind residents about bogus callers / doorstep crime, sadly something we need to remain vigilant about, for ourselves and for vulnerable friends and family. 

Cold Callers - If you are considering getting work done on your home, obtain quotes from companies you have independently researched not from cold callers. 

Use The Edinburgh Trusted Trader Scheme to find tradespeople who have been vetted by both Police and Trading Standards – 

www.trustedtrader.scot/Edinburgh/ or by phoning 0333 444 7016

Door to Door Selling - Please also note that anyone selling items door to door e.g. cleaning products should have a peddler’s license (yes that is a real thing) that they should be able to show you, without this they are committing an offence. 

Impersonators - scammers may try and gain entry to your home posing as staff from utility companies etc once inside stealing handbags / wallets and other small valuables. 

All these types of criminals may initially appear polite and personable, however please do not be pressured into buying items or services. 

Consider the following points when answering the door to unexpected callers - 

LOCK – Keep your doors locked, even when you are at home as standard practice.
 
STOP – Before you answer the door, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked the back door and taken the key out. Look through a door viewer (‘spy hole’) or convenient window to see who it is.
 
CHAIN – If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or door bar on first if you have one. Keep the chain or bar on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.
 
CHECK – Even if they have a pre-arranged appointment, check identity cards carefully. Close the door while you do this. If you are still unsure, look up a phone number in the phone book or online and ring the organization to verify their identity. Do not use a phone number on the identity card as this may be fake.
  
For further information on scams / bogus callers visit the Police Scotland website 

www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/   

or contact the local crime prevention team via edinburghpreventandintervent@scotland.police.uk

If you think a bogus caller or doorstep criminal has called on you, or been in your street, report this to the police ‘101’ (non-emergency) or the Contact Us form on the Police Scotland web site.