Doorstep scammers posing as ex-convicts target Suffolk homes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 13:03 · Archive

Callers claiming to be on a youth offending scheme are selling household products at inflated prices in Suffolk villages.

Callers known as 'Nottingham Knockers' or 'duster sellers' have been reported in Trimley St Martin and Trimley St Mary on Wednesday, 4 November. They claim to have served prison sentences and are on youth offending schemes, attempting to portray themselves as reforming offenders. The individuals then attempt to sell everyday household products to householders at very high prices.

Suffolk Trading Standards confirmed that these callers are not part of any legitimate rehabilitation programme. A spokesman said the group is believed to operate in teams across the country, often without the required Pedlar's Certificates issued by police. Trading Standards advises residents to refrain from buying at the doorstep and not to buckle to pressure from salespeople offering supposedly one-off 'buy it now' low prices.

The group may still be in the area or could have moved on to other parts of the county. Residents who are approached at the door are advised to refuse to buy.

How it is being reported

• Doorstop callers pretending to be ex-convicts target Suffolk homesA doorstep scam involving callers pretending to be on a youth offending scheme has been reported in Suffolk.Ipswich Star · 5 Nov, 12:05
• Doorstop callers pretending to be ex-convicts target Suffolk homesA doorstep scam involving callers pretending to be on a youth offending scheme has been reported in Suffolk.East Anglian Daily Times · 5 Nov, 12:05

In this story: Suffolk Trading Standards · Trimley St Martin · Trimley St Mary · Suffolk

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log