Bogus callers are revisiting previous victims of doorstep crime to try to defraud them again in Brighton and Portslade, police have warned.
Sussex Police said: “In April nine reports were received that previous victims of rogue traders and other doorstep criminals were being recontacted by scammers posing as trading standards or court officials, demanding money up front in order to finance court action to recoup some of the losses from the original crime.
“The reports came from Brighton, Chichester, Portslade, Henfield, Lancing and Burgess Hill.”
PC Bernadette Lawrie said: “If you have a friend, neighbour or relative who has been targeted by doorstep traders in the past, give them a call and remind them to be wary of all unknown callers, especially those offering this supposed help.
“So far the reports have come from West Sussex and Brighton, but that doesn’t mean East Sussex may not also be affected at some stage.
“Thankfully, so far none of the people who have reported to us have been taken in by this approach, but we are concerned that there may be others who have been defrauded and have not yet reported it to us.
“We are also contacting particularly vulnerable people known to us to help spread the message.”
Sussex Pllice said: “Scammers are recontacting victims of these crimes posing as trading standards or court officials, claiming to be able to compensate for their previous losses.
“If you or someone you know has been a victim of rogue traders or doorstep callers in the past, be aware of this new approach to try to get more money from you.
“Local authority trading standards officers and court officers do not operate in this way and would never ask residents for a monetary payment to a personal bank account.
“If you are approached by telephone or by cold call at the door by someone claiming to work for trading standards or a court who asks for money as part of a refund or compensation for rogue trader problems, do not pay any money or give any personal details.
“Instead, contact Sussex Police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting Operation Signature.
“You can also also contact your local Trading Standards team at 03456 040506.”
John Peerless, from Brighton and Hove City Council Trading Standards Department, said: “We are extremely concerned about vulnerable people being targeted by these rogue traders.
“Trading standards officers will not ask for money to be paid into an account or take cash from anyone.
“The message is don’t let them in or hand over any money or bank details and report it to trading standards.”
