⚠️ Bogus Traders - Protect Yourself and Your Neighbours

⚠️ Bogus Traders - Protect Yourself and Your Neighbours

Staffordshire Police is reminding residents to be vigilant of bogus traders and doorstep callers who may attempt to gain access to your home through deception.

A bogus trader is someone who pretends to be a legitimate tradesperson, utility company worker, gardener, roofer, council employee or representative of an organisation in order to obtain money, valuables or personal information.

Warning Signs

Be cautious if someone:

🔹 Arrives unexpectedly at your door
🔹 Claims urgent work needs carrying out
🔹 Pressures you into making an immediate decision
🔹 Requests cash payments
🔹 Refuses to provide identification
🔹 Claims to be "working in the area" and offers discounted services
🔹 Insists on entering your home without an appointment
🔹 Becomes persistent or aggressive when challenged

How to Stay Safe

✅ Always ask to see identification and check it carefully.

✅ If someone claims to be from a utility company, contact the company directly using a trusted number to verify the visit.

✅ Use a door chain or door viewer where possible.

✅ Never feel pressured into making immediate decisions or payments.

✅ Keep cash, jewellery and valuables stored securely and out of sight.

✅ Report suspicious callers to the police.

Reporting

If you are concerned about a caller or believe you have been targeted by a bogus trader, please report it to Staffordshire Police by calling 101 or through our online reporting services.

Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Please share this message with friends, family members and neighbours, particularly those who may be elderly or vulnerable.

#StaySafe #BogusTraders #StaffordshirePolice