Number 4… show them the door: Police offer bingo players safety advice as bogus caller and rogue trader campaign launched

POLICE officers have paid a visit to a bingo hall in Glasgow to highlight the dangers of bogus callers and rogue traders.

They were joined by representatives of Trading Standards, Good Morning Service and Glasgow City Council in a bid to provide advice to the elderly about how to deal with con artists on the doorstep.

Officers stressed that cold callers targeting people they believe to be vulnerable is a serious issue that can cause extreme distress to victims.

Constable Craig Brooks, a Local Community Officer, said: “We thought that heading to the bingo would be a fun way of highlighting this serious issue.

“Doorstep can be a very distressing crime to fall victim to, however, there are simple steps one can use if someone cold calls at your home like using a chain on the door or checking who that person is before you let them in.

“If you are at all concerned about someone who comes to your door, challenge them and ask for ID. If they are genuine they won’t mind being asked.

“Our message is – “If you get a No 4 – ‘Knock at the Door’ and you don’t think it’s No 62 – ‘Tickety Boo’, then give us a call. Don’t feel embarrassed to call police. We want to catch these criminals and giving us a call will help us do that.”

Police have also asked people to keep an eye out for their elderly or vulnerable family, friends or neighbours and to report anything suspicious.

The fraudsters come in many guises, often pretending to be from a utility company or a charity.

Some say they will do work which turns out to be of poor quality if indeed done at all – but they still charge a hugely inflated price.

Constable Brooks added: “Another scam we have seen occurring is criminals phoning home telephone numbers and claiming to be from your bank, HMRC and other agencies.

“The simple advice is never give out any personal information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain who you are speaking to.

“Do not phone back on the number provided if they ask you to do so. All corporate organisations have main telephone numbers that can be checked on the internet or telephone directory.

“If the call is genuine then the main switchboard will be able to connect you to the person claiming to represent the company or agency.”

Safety information is available on the Police Scotland website and available from local community officers.