A woman at home in Strathmore Park North, North Belfast, was cold-called shortly after 3.15pm on Wednesday 26 August and told she had to pay for work that had not been done.
She did not hand over any money. A family member came to the house. Police say enquiries are ongoing.
That is the useful bit, and it is the bit PSNI want neighbours to hear. You do not have to open the door. You do not have to pay a stranger on the step. If something feels wrong, it is fine to keep the door shut and talk through it, or through a window.
Inspector Hamilton said most people who knock are genuine, but a small number of criminals will take advantage of older or vulnerable people on the doorstep. Some pose as utility staff. Genuine workers carry ID and will show it. If they will not wait while you check, that is your answer.
If you are worried about a caller, phone 101 and ask for Quick Check. It is free. Police will try to confirm whether the person on your step is who they say they are.
If you are worried about a caller, phone 101 and ask for Quick Check. It is free. Police will try to confirm whether the person on your step is who they say they are.
Report the incident on 101 or at psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also ask your local Crime Prevention Officer, through 101, for a No Cold Calling Zone sticker for the door.
Scamwise NI has more on doorstep fraud at nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/scamwiseni. The official advice is simple: lock the back door before you answer the front, do not let anyone in if you are not expecting them, do not pay in cash on the step, and do not accept a story about urgent repairs you never asked for.
If you saw anyone offering unsolicited work around Strathmore Park North on Wednesday afternoon, tell police. The woman on that doorstep did the right thing. She did not pay.
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