That moment when your Mum tells you about a cold caller builder chap turning up offering to do work on porch and guttering. They allowed him to convince them to let him in the house and kept talking to them till they agreed a price.
A/thank god ok
B/ they slept badly and when he turned up for money and start work they cancelled him as realised they had been taken in.....
I did my stern Mother what were you thinking letting him in when you did not feel it was the right thing to do voice.
What a worry for you and for your parents too. A sad world we live in when people like this prey on elderly and or vulnerable members of our family for their own greed and gain. I've even heard of something called a 'suckers' list when people in their innocence respond to things like cash prize draws, prizes or charity appeals and then get bombarded with more and more until they can't cope or have given away large amounts to these scams. So glad your mum was able to tell this person they wished to cancel.
So was I and she had the foresight when they went out to stick a note in window and doors to say DO NOT start work on house. She has promised not to let strangers in the house again.
I bought a little sign which I stuck in my late parents house to say no cold callers or door to door sales, which helped.
Mmmm good idea might check if she has this!
I stuck it on the glass panel on their door so any potential caller could not miss it.
I have ordered them just in case as going over Monday to check a few things . Thanks Pippy
I've got one of these and it has done NOTHING to put off people calling at the door - in fact I've been told it just earmarks you as "old" or "vulnerable". I'm going to take mine down !!!!
Thanks H00kinz, always good to hear other opinions. I have signs too as do quite a few of my younger neighbours where I live, as we generally don't want people cold calling. We never had any problems with having an intercom system either, but again that was our experience. Maybe it does indicate 'old' or 'vulnerable', but to me it indicates no we don't want anything thank you so don't bother knocking. Again a lot of apartments have intercoms installed too. You have to go with what you feel is right for you when it comes to security and choose what you feel is best in your situation. In my case I had to not only consider those who may be calling to my parent's home, but also to prevent any potential falls occurring, with my parents who had physical needs by trying to answer the door. Hope you find something that suits your need. Sending my best wishes, take care
Aw bless them, it's so easy to be taken in. It's not their fault , it's the people trying to con other folks
It would be worthwhile reporting this to Trading Standards and the police in case anyone else in the area was taken in. They would be be interested especially if they have any details about the builder.
Its funny but I was thinking this and hubby just gone. It’s so will look at it when I see them
Also, report to Neighbourhood Watch, and ask if they can keep an eye on any vulnerable people in their Watch.
In the town I lived in near Chicago one could get door stickers from city hall that said 'No solicitors allowed'.....
It’s just not on... our parents come from era where trust was easier . My mother left the back door unlocked for the milkman to collect his money from the kitchen table . My neighbour hood has a neighbour app we’re they share information like this also share the good things just like here .
There was such a sense of trust and community back then, which is still around in some places but not many these days sad to say. People used to look out for each other and word I am sure would have got round if a stranger was in the area back then. The app sounds like a good idea as well as a neighbourhood watch scheme for those not so technically savvy.
I would definitely contact the police, neighbourhood watch, if you know their next door neighbours speak to them too as well as trading standards.
Someone we know of - elderly man, lives alone but very active was taken in by similar and eventually it was his bank that got the police involved because of his ever increasing withdrawals.
Your parents are very lucky to have you on their case, I hope they realise how lucky they have been.
Once these people get their claws into victims it’s hard to get rid of them. I’m sure they pass details into others - our neighbours-retired but not at all vulnerable - had their drive relaid - the people doing it (gypsies- I went online and did some research and with the help of google saw they came from a huge travellers site in the north of the county) knew ‘someone’ who would fix their guttering and roof! Fortunately they didn’t accept the offer and got someone local in to do the roof.
I'm glad your mum was able to tell them to cancel the work.
If there is a local neighbourhood watch they are usually well informed. And usually you can sign up for alerts of anything suspicious they hear about locally, and good things too. Ours also offers things like invisible marker pens for tv's etc. Cards for doors stipulating no cold callers and for Halloween if people don't wish to get involved. Also little bells to attach to a purse.
I'm glad it all turned out alright for your parents and you. A lesson for us all.
My parents had a door intercom system (which could have a camera attached), which gave them control of who they let in or not as the person or people had to speak into the intercom and I also put a sign on their door saying no cold callers and salespeople. It worked for them at the time. So sad to think we have to make ourselves safe, when gone are the days you could leave your door on the latch and no one would bother you.
off topic manic moan
Off topic posts
Off topic - Monday oh WOW
Totally off topic but worried and need to vent
Off topic (but not)…. Dating 
