Halton Borough Council standards officers have issued a warning after doorstep callers asking to buy old jewellery target Runcorn.
Following reports from members of the public, Cheshire Police stopped two men in Runcorn who were going door to door asking to buy jewellery.
The police spoke to one elderly resident who said that she had felt pressured into selling items of jewellery for £410. Checks were made by the Police which suggested that this was well under market value.
The lady said that she had wanted to sell some small items but one of the men insisted that she got her jewellery box out to check for more items. She felt pressured into doing this.
Fortunately, because the Police were on hand, the men agreed to return the jewellery and the resident handed back the money.
Avoid being caught out by other doorstep rogues by refusing to deal with people who cold-call you.
You can get a free No Cold Calling Card and Letterbox Sticker from any Halton Direct Link.
If you want to sell your old jewellery the Money Saving Expert has some advice on his website.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “This people are targeting the elderly, so please warn friends, neighbours and relatives.”
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06