Doorstep Solicitors and How To Avoid Them

 

Internet Is Strong, But Face To Face Scammers Stiil Exist

Online banking technology and the internet offer criminals the opportunity to run sophisticated global online scams from the comfort of their bedrooms, safe in the knowledge that they can conceal themselves behind keyboards without ever having to face their victims.

It's easy to forget that in this day and age there are still bold and brazen confidence tricksters who are more than happy to breeze through your home or office door, pull the wool over your eyes with fraudulent deals, fleece you for thousands of dollars and leave you feeling very sheepish indeed. 

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If you reckon you're too clever to ever get caught out by one of these pernicious pedestrian charlatans, think again – many clever clogs have been caught out by a seemingly innocent salesman shod in a sensible pair of Clarks shoes.

With that in mind, let's take a look at some doorstep scams and how to avoid them.

Watch the video below to see some types of fake solicitors, made is association with Adults with Learning Disabilites:

Doorsteps Scammers Exposed Video

 

Fake Charity Reps

Conning innocent and vulnerable householders out of their cash on their doorsteps is a disgustingly low act already, but it descends to new depths when con artists claim that they're collecting for charity.

Yet that was the exact MO of the Nottingham Knockers, and while you might expect some altruistic wealth distribution in this locale, these characters were much more robbing hoods than Robin Hood.

Claiming to be reformed criminals making new lives for themselves or completely deaf and dumb, they peddled household good like dusters in order to collect funds for charity.

But these 'scouts' actually did nothing more than scope the properties they visited and sussed out when homeowners were likely to be out, before reporting their reconnaissance back to fellow gang members who returned at a later point to burglarize homes and leave owners distraught.

How to avoid:

Never answer your front door without ensuring your back door is locked, don't allow strangers inside your house and if you do think a salesman is genuine, snap a photo of their ID, verify it later and agree an official appointment at a convenient time.

Fake Contractors

These type of conmen target businesses as well as homes. Typically, they'll stroll into your business reception looking fairly professional and strike up a conversation wherein they claim to be a new businessperson in the area who noticed that your exterior is in serious need of repair.

They'll pressure you to hand over cash or a cheque on the same day, saying that leaving the building as it is poses a risk to life and limb and that they can cancel their previous appointments in order to do you a favour and start work immediately. Inevitably, once they have their grubby paws on your cash, they disappear into the ether.

How to avoid:

Crooks target workplaces that look disorganized, so keep yours tidy with touches like an entrance mat from Kleen-Tex. Never agree to 'urgent repairs' without seeking a second opinion and if they refuse to leave, inform them you will call the police.

 

Doorstep Scams: How To Report

Warn your family and friends about these doorstep scams by sharing this article on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:

Report To The FTC Here

 

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