BEWARE sales people.

Brodiebobs

Just had a young man knock on my front door asking to see a recent gas or electric bill. When i asked why he said he was from the 'energy watchdog' (!?) i said i'd never heard of them and he explained they were checking people in my area weren't been overcharged by their provider.

I said that i knew i wasn't been overcharged as i often changed my tarrif, he asked which one i was on, i told him the brittish gas websaver. He went on to explain that internet tarrifs were often overpriced, resulting in brittish gas profits (at least he watches news!) and if he could see one of my online bills he would be able to offer a lower price, and save me money.

Of course this raised alarm bells, i said i didnt want to change, and if he was only offering overcharging advice how would he get me a lower price. I asked what company he was from and asked for his id as i wasnt happy with the conduct. he refused and walked off!!! :eek:

Thing that annoys me more is i'm surrounded by elderly and some vunerable people who may not be so savvy, just wish i'd taken note of his id earlier!

Premier_2

Brodiebobs wrote: »

... I asked what company he was from and asked for his id as i wasnt happy with the conduct. he refused and walked off!!! :eek:...

I would have called the police.

Our local police force is actively encouraging the public to call them regarding suspect callers ... even using the 999 system if the caller is still in the area.

There has been a lot of distraction burglaries being carried out recently (sometimes at the time of calling, sometimes the caller is simply 'casing' the property to burgle later) and our local police have decided to stamp it out before it gets any worse, but need the public's help in order to do so.

keys_2

Call the police if I was you !!!!!!!!!!!!

They will print in the local paper for elderly and families to read that there is somebody in the neighbouhood doing this and to be aware . { your name or details will not get printed }

Also the police in my area send warning leaflets out immediatetly in my area when this happens .

If it was somebody genuinly doing there job , the police will find them and explain to them that they are worrying customers after they have evidence they are genuine .

Brodiebobs

oh my i'd never thought of that, he did have a badge on a lanyarn round his neck but it was facing the other way and it just had an e-mail address on the back, couldnt make it out though.

We have the number of one of those local pcso (?) police officers they put a card through the door i'll ring and have a word.

Thanks for the advice.

lilac_lady

Brodiebobs - "Just had a young man knock on my front door asking to see a recent gas or electric bill."

If anyone came to my door asking to see anything they'd have to prove that they were from the National Lottery before I'd talk to them!

glider3560

Brodiebobs wrote: »

Just had a young man knock on my front door asking to see a recent gas or electric bill. When i asked why he said he was from the 'energy watchdog' (!?) i said i'd never heard of them and he explained they were checking people in my area weren't been overcharged by their provider.

This is a very common trick used by energy salespeople (must be PC and not call them salesmen!)

They want to see your bill for two reasons:
1. To note down your MPRN and Supply Number, so they can switch your supply.
2. To see your current monthly payment and offer something lower, even if their tariff is more expensive.

Whenever I get someone like this at my door, my answer is always "Very interesting, now which supplier are you from?" Usually results in them walking off or looking very red faced.

TBH, I don't think the police would be interested as these aren't burglars. It is more something that the industry regulator (whatever they're called these days) should be looking into.

Premier_2

glider3560 wrote: »

...
TBH, I don't think the police would be interested as these aren't burglars. It is more something that the industry regulator (whatever they're called these days) should be looking into.

I don't agree. If a person calls claiming to be an official company representative, but then fails to produce or clearly show when asked official ID, that sounds suspicious to me and I would be worried.

Keys is in the Greater Manchester area and appears to have the support of local police with regards to suspicious callers.

In West Yorkshire, a similar situation exists

...If you have any suspicions do not let the caller into your home and contact the police on: 0845 60 60 606 or 999 in an emergency...

http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/section-item.asp?sid=12&iid=9377

As it does in Essex:

...If you're worried the caller is not genuine call the police on 999...

http://www.harlowherald.co.uk/content/hlwherald/news/story.aspx?brand=HLHOnline&category=NewsHarlow&tBrand=HertsCambsOnline&tCategory=newslatestHLH&itemid=WEED19%20Feb%202010%2015%3A28%3A34%3A323

I'd be surprised in most if not all other forces have a similar approach.

Remember, you may not actively allow a person into your home, but unless you actively keep them locked out, they may step in and take a purse/wallet/set of keys etc when you are gone for a few seconds to collect that utility bill they are requesting sight of. Even if you do keep them out, they may simply look through the window and see a rather nice clock or other antique they may be back later to collect

Any genuine caller will be more than happy to provide you with their ID, and would even allow you time to telephone their company to double check if deemed necessary.

Any official caller who refuses to provide the ID on request, and moreso walks away when so challenged, has to be deemed suspicious in my eyes.

Plushchris

The energy watchdog wouldnt be sending people doorknocking so whover he was you can be assured he WAS telling lies.

To be honest it probably wasnt a burgler but a very dishonest "salesman" as thats just the kind of crap they come out with but dont let that put you off phoning the police anyway.