Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards Department urges you not to buy goods or services from your home. Some callers are genuine but many are not, often leaving behind shoddy work and further expense to have the work rectified.

If you are elderly, you are more likely to be targeted by these rogues. They prey on you for your money and often come back for more. Often they will offer to take you to the bank to withdraw the cash.

Sometimes they pretend to be from the council or your electricity supplier to read your meter. Before letting anyone into your home, check them out. Always take the caller’s ID and check it carefully, telephone the organisation to confirm they should be calling on you, if you are still unsure, ask them to make an appointment to come back when you have someone with you.

If you have doubts about a caller, telephone the Police (0845 045 45 45) or Trading Standards (0845 603 0081) to report the details.

Use Hampshire County Council’s Buy With Confidence Scheme to obtain the name and contact number of a reliable, vetted trader. Information can be found on www.buywithconfidence.info or by telephoning 0845 603 0081.

By reporting instances of doorstep trading, shoddy work and inflated prices as quickly as possible, you may well help to stop someone else being caught too: Email your doorstep crime report

If you would like a free speaker to talk to your older persons group or club, please call 01962 846232 or 846316 to arrange or receive further information.