Say 'no' to cold callers

We’re urging people to say ‘no’ to cold callers after receiving recent reports of rogue or bogus traders targeting vulnerable residents in doorstep scams.

Recent examples, including in our city north and Clifton areas, include cold callers claiming to be from British Gas or Severn Trent Water. It has been checked with these companies and confirmed that the callers are not from them.

Our message is simple: Say ‘no’ to cold callers. 

Keep your doors locked and use door chains or spy holes.

We can’t stress how important it is for customers to check the identity of the person calling to make sure it’s a genuine visit. Genuine staff will be more than happy to give their names on visits and they’ll be happy to wait while you carry out the necessary checks. 

Never call the phone number on a salesperson's ID card to check them out. Ask them to wait outside, shut the door, find the company number on the internet, or call the company directly using a number from a bill or directory, not one provided by the caller.

If they’re genuine, they’ll understand.

If you’re not happy, don’t let them in. 

Never buy goods or services on the doorstep. if a suspicious person refuses to leave or tries to force entry, call 999 immediately.

For more useful tips, please read Take Five’s guide to doorstep scams.