Scam alert

Scam alert

We are aware of a scam circulating in your area. 
 

Elderly homeowners in Stroud have been targeted by door-to-door salesmen who claim that the guttering on their property is in need of urgent repair. The men, who are described as early 50s with a non-local accent, were very persistent asking for up front payment . The males become confrontational when asked to leave and threatening to rip down the guttering .

Typically a rogue trader will call at the door uninvited offering to carry out work  that is poor quality , unfinished & often unnecessary . Or offering items for sale that are of poor quality and over inflated prices .

Often referred to as “Nottingham Knockers ”. These individuals typically claim to be part of a rehabilitation scheme, in many cases they are not legitimate and visits can be used to identify vulnerable homes for potential crime.

Rogue traders/door to door sellers  are often opportunist, unscrupulous & often very convincing. Rogue traders often quote low prices but then demand more money and very often the work they claim needs doing is completely unnecessary.

They often target elderly & Vulnerable members of our community  . Some will not take no for an answer and insist on a contract being signed . 

Rogue traders will often demand cash or money upfront. We have also be made aware of one rogue trader attending with a portable card machine insisting on payment being taken.

Often door to door sellers will try to pressure you to buy items or donate money visiting late in the afternoon or early evening .

Action Fraud advises following these steps to protect yourself from rogue traders:

·  Always ask for ID before letting anyone into your home .

·  Check credentials , including permanent business address & telephone number .

·   Ask Questions , ask for references& ask for examples of work.

·  Don't sign on the spot - shop around. Get at least three written quotes make  sure your not being ripped off.

·  If in any doubt, ask the person to leave .

The simplest way to reduce the risk is not to engage with any doorstep sellers. Politely ask them to leave .

If you have been a victim of a rogue trader  please report to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice- 0808 223 1133

If someone makes you feel unsafe or pressured call 101 to report the incident .

if you feel threatened or a crime is taking place always call 999.

Please help us raise awareness of this scam by informing your elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.

Please help us raise awareness of this scam by informing your elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.

For advice on keeping your PROPERTY safe, you can find plenty of crime prevention advice on our website: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

If you have any further information about these incident, we’d like to hear from you. Please complete the following online form quoting incident 472 of the 14th of September 2026: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Please note, we're unable to accept reports of crime through Your Neighbourhood Alerts. You can report non-emergency crime online here. Always call 999 in an emergency.