Warning of bogus doorstep sellers in Telford
A warning has been issued following reports of door to door sellers operating in Telford, claiming to be ex-offenders on a rehabilitation scheme.
Public Protection Officers at Telford & Wrekin Council have been told the sellers use hard-sell techniques on the doorstep. The sellers ask people to buy some of their goods and while they show an ID card the information on it isn’t clear. They even ask for a signature from the person they visit.
In one reported case a woman paid £70 for a duster, a vegetable peeler and a step.
Cllr Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Enforcement, said: “Our advice about door-to-door salespeople is clear: do not buy from them if you didn’t expect them to visit your home.
“While door-to-door cold calling isn’t illegal, anyone doing it legitimately would have been given a ‘pedlar’s certificate’ from the Police.
“If you have any concerns about cold callers, report them to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 or Police on 101.
“Remember, if no-one in your area buys from doorstep sellers, they are less likely to return.”
