Police warn about 'intercom' fraudsters

Date published: 17 February 2009

POLICE are warning Rossendale residents to be on their guard against fraudsters claiming to be from Green Vale Homes.

People have reported several identical incidents to police in which door-knocking salesmen profited from work under false pretences.

PC Phil Buck said: “The salesmen are targeting Rossendale homes and are claiming to be from a reputable agency.

“In each case they have charged the home owner for an intercom system to be fitted, and then walked away with cash in hand after the job is complete.

“These salesmen are definitely not legitimate and I urge local people not to open the door to unexpected callers, unless they are certain they come from a reputable organisation.”

The fraudsters are charging between £35 and £95 for fitting the system, which Green Vale Homes would have done for free.

Police were called to incidents in New Hall Hey, Rawtenstall on February 5; Eastwood Crescent, Rawtenstall, on February 6; and Spring Gardens, Rawtenstall, on February 7.

Lee Rodgers, deputy operations manager for Green Vale Homes, said: “I would like to assure our tenants and customers that we do not have employees knocking on doors and charging to fit intercom systems.

"All genuine Green Vale staff members wear badges and will provide identification when requested to do so.”

To contact Green Vale Homes, call 01706 836333.