Police officers have been briefing bingo players about keeping safe in their homes.
Officers in Glasgow’s West End were joined at Carlton Bingo in Partick by trading standards, the Good Morning Service befriending charity and Cllr Martha Wardrop.
They were there to raise awareness and provide advice about how to deal with bogus callers and rogue traders who come to your home.
Constable Craig Brooks is a local community officer based out of Partick Police Station.
He said: “These fraudsters come in many guises, for example, pretending to be from a utility company, or a charity.
"Or say they will do work for you which turns out to be of poor quality if indeed done at all – but they still charge a hugely inflated price.
“Another scam we have seen occurring is criminals phoning home telephone numbers and claiming to be from your bank, HMRC and other agencies.
"The simple advice is never give out any personal information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain who you are speaking to.
"Do not phone back on the number provided if they ask you to do so."
All corporate organisations have main telephone numbers that can be checked on the internet or telephone directory, police say.
If the call is genuine then the main switchboard will be able to connect you to the person claiming to represent the company or agency.
PC Brooks said: “These criminals target people they believe are vulnerable, including elderly, and we thought that heading to the bingo – where there is a captive audience of hundreds of people each day - would be a fun way of highlighting this serious issue.
“Doorstep can be a very distressing crime to fall victim to, however, there are simple steps one can use if someone cold calls at your home like using a chain on the door or checking who that person is before you let them in.
"If you are at all concerned about someone who comes to your door, challenge them and ask for ID. If they are genuine they won’t mind being asked.
“We are also asking people to keep an eye out for their elderly or vulnerable family, friends or neighbours and to report anything suspicious.
“Our message is – If you get a No 4 – ‘Knock at the Door’ and you don’t think it’s No 62 – ‘Tickety Boo’, then give us a call.
"Don’t feel embarrassed to call police. We want to catch these criminals and giving us a call will help us do that.
“There is a lot of safety information on our website and available from local community officers and we hope that events like this will highlight what you can do to keep safe and what we and our partner agencies can do to help you.
* For more info see: http://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/personal-safety/doorstep-crime-and-bogus-callers
