Look out – scammers are about

Macclesfield police are warning local residents – in particular the elderly – to be on their guard as ‘aggressive and confrontational’ doorstep scammers are targeting the area.

The scammers, sometimes showing bogus permits or selling licences, are reported to have been operating in the Lyme Green and Sutton areas. 

The goods being offered by the scammers are almost always poor quality or carry inflated prices and it’s thought the scammers may even be gathering information for future crimes.

PCSO Jim Newns, from the Macclesfield East and Sutton Police team, said: “The callers may claim to be ex-convicts attempting to mend their ways. 

“However they are not part of any rehabilitation scheme and are often known criminals. 

“There have been cases of elderly residents handing over large sums as these people can be very persistent, confrontational and also abusive if they get no sale.” 

The groups of callers are charged for a bag of household items by an ‘employer’ who then drops them in an area for around an hour. 

They are allowed to keep whatever they then make but there can also be a more sinister agenda. 

Often the sale amount comes to a note like £10 and when the resident goes to get money this is when the scam begins. 

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “When the note is handed over, the lad examines the condition and how long it took the person to get it. If it is crumpled, they accept it and move on.

“If it is crisp flat and new – they are much more interested and may engage the person in more conversation. 

“If it is slightly musty – this is an indication that there is more in the property. 

“Those addresses are noted, the addresses of elderly/vulnerable/gullible people are all noted. These are handed to the employer and there is a small amount of cash handed over for each one. 

“These addresses are then sold in prisons and pubs. If there is a later break-in, the employer expects a further cut of the proceeds.” 

Residents are asked to warn their elderly neighbours of the callers and report any suspicious activity by calling police on 101.