A series of door-to-door scammers have reportedly been making their way through Powys villages and towns, with one council warning its residents to be vigilant.
Llanfyllin Town Council last week released an official warning to residents, with Dyfed Powys Police confirming that they received a number reports of "suspicious activities" involving a man entering local shops under the guise of selling cleaning products on Friday, January 19.
The Wishing Well, a gift shop located on Llanfyllin High Street, who alerted fellow businesses that they had encountered an individual who entered the shop claiming to sell a number of household items and reportedly became “quite intimidating” when asked to leave.
Llanfyllin deputy mayor and owner of local business Woofterz Dog Grooming, Julian Sandy, said: “I was told by some fellow business owners that they had just had a run in with someone claiming to be ex-military and selling cleaning products who intimidated the shop owners and customers, in what seems to be part of a series of scams.
“I warned other business owners and residents over the issue, including some elderly people in the region as they might be particularly vulnerable to these kinds of stings and I also contacted the police."
He said the group had been referred to as 'Nottingham Knockers' - a term used to describe people going door-to-door selling cleaning items, and had been seen in Llanfyllin, Llanymynech and Llansantffraid.
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Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that they received three reports of suspicious activity, adding: "Whilst at this time no crimes have been recorded, we continue to ask members of our communities to contact the police if they experience any suspicious behaviour with people attending their property.
"Whilst many legitimate businesses sell products door to door, a doorstep scam (or cold caller) involves someone attending your property, uninvited, offering you a service you do not need with the aim of tricking you out of money.
"Remember, anyone who calls at your door should have some form of identification. You are well within your rights to ask for this and make a note of their details.
"It’s ok to tell visitors you’re not interested or ask them to leave if you aren’t comfortable. Legitimate visitors will understand.
"Anyone with any information or noticing suspicious activity should report it to us."
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