Rsz _1tsi -cold -calling -roundal -iconCold Calling - Don't Buy it!

What is Cold Calling?

Cold Calling is when a person or business knock on the door when you are not expecting a visit.  Cold Callers usually offer work such as carrying out roof repairs, doing general building work or even something as simple as tidying gardens.

Why is it a problem?

Although most Cold Callers are genuinely trying to ply for trade, there are a small few who operate without any regard for consumer rights of fair trading law, doing little or poor quality work for too big a cash price.

Sometimes these offers are merely distraction tactics - a caller may then ask to use the toilet or the phone to gain access to the property while an accomplice keeps the householder busy - this is known as distraction burglary.

Distraction Burglary

Bogus cold callers use a number of tricks to gain entry into your home to steal money & valuables:

  • asking to use the toilet or telephone
  • claiming to have lost a ball in your garden
  • offering to do work on the house or garden
  • claiming to be from a charity, energy company, the waterboard, the police, or the council

What are we doing?

Merseyside Police promote the use of SmartWater - property-marking liquid containing a unique code that can be seen under ultraviolet light.

We are encouraging use of the council's Trader Register - which lists reputable traders across the borough. To see the full list go to www.sthelens.gov.uk/traderregister.

What can you do?

Suspicious about a caller? Follow these simple steps top stay safe.

Remember:

  • Use your spy hole or chain
  • Put a sticker by your door asking for no cold calling
  • Don't open the door to anyone you don't know
  • If the caller is selling goods, say NO
  • If the caller claims to be an official, such as a Council Officer, ask for their identification.
  • All Council Officers are required to carry their identification, and will happily wait while you check their credentials. You can also ask them to wait outside, while you contact the Council to confirm they are who they say they are on 01744 676789.
  • Never give out your personal information or share any form of identification, unless you are sure the caller is genuine.
  • Set up a unique password with your utility company so you can use it to confirm that the caller is legitimate

 

Cold Calling Flyer