Police have warned Harrogate residents about a rise in door-to-door scams in recent weeks.
Officers have had reports in Harrogate of people claiming to be ex-offenders who are just out of prison, selling household items like cleaning products on the doorstep.
Rogue traders have also reportedly knocked on doors unannounced claiming they have noticed damage, before offering to have a look for free as they have “just finished a job nearby.”
But victims have found themselves thousands of pounds out of pocket due to poor workmanship or no work being carried out at all.
A police spokesperson said:
“Although some legitimate organisations will visit your home (such as gas, electricity and water companies, or charities seeking donations), you should never buy or sell anything on your doorstep.
“Door-to-door callers may be offering poor quality goods at inflated prices - or even gathering information for future crime.”
They added:
“Always be on your guard when someone unknown calls at your door. Consider reporting any incidents to us via 101.
“If you feel threatened or intimidated by their behaviour, it's an emergency and you should dial 999.
“Consider also reporting rogue traders to Trading Standards, and contacting Citizens Advice for help and support.
“The simple advice is to always say 'no' to cold callers. Share this with your neighbours too.
“If they don’t get any sales in your area, cold callers are less likely to return, which is better for everyone!”

Pateley Bridge to host first New Year's Day cyclo-cross event
Harrogate MP welcomes government U-turn on family farm inheritance tax
Santa Paws: Festive photo competition winners revealed
DalesBus reveals timetable over Christmas period
Festive tractor run raises £45,000 for charity
CCTV appeal after Ripon shop theft
Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton meets fans in Harrogate
Santa delivers gifts to Harrogate children on all-electric sleigh
Rudy's Pizza set to open new Harrogate restaurant
75-year-old Ripon cyclist completes epic birthday challenge
Miriam Margolyes to visit Harrogate as part of upcoming tour
Towns must see benefits of any tourist tax, warns Harrogate MP
Police appeal for wanted man who could be in Ripon
Harrogate school 'takes Law into its own hands' with rare A Level course
CCTV appeal after motorbike stolen in Harrogate
Specsavers Harrogate hosts free after-hours clinic for homeless residents
Man charged following Pateley Bridge hit-and-run
Banyan in Harrogate set to close
Knaresborough boys 'devastated' after beloved cat goes missing
Knaresborough tug-of-war tradition to return on Boxing Day


