Streetlife

Had the same yesterday from a so called BT salesman. Looks a bit iffy!

I've tried to find out about changes to the local exchange and can't confirm any recent changes now or the near future - sounds like it could be slightly suspicious given the change of supplier asking the same questions. Maybe fraudster or worse on the patch everyone be wise and wary. Good info Lisa D./ Colin

hmmm, weird that yours was BT. We never actually asked to see his ID, he just said he was from TalkTalk when we asked him.

The same thing happened about 6 months ago and they always try and
come in the house, or ask you to go away and get a piece of paper/past bills (makes me angry).

He started with 'did you get the message about the exchange'? And when we said no he was all apologetic and said that we should have got it and that we were now entitled to free internet. He then asked us for a piece of paper to 'write down all the details'. If these are real salesmen their sales technique is really dodgy! It was at about 7 in the evening last night.

Our man or should i say teenager? came about 3pm yesterday. We are in Biddington Way. He said the same about "free internet". My Wife told him where to go.

Hmmm This behaviour is classic of someone who is trying to distract you away from the front door during which time they can often access your home unobserved, it's often carried out with another person, who often adds to the confusion. Call me cynical if you like but everything you have written points to a person up to no good ... A description of the person might be useful to others who may receive unannounced callers, and some good advice if you feel compelled to go for the item asked for, don't forget to shut the door first, often with these opportunist types of character they will buzz off as soon as they see they cant get in, or that someone is home. Perhaps also a chat with the local PCSO might be a good heads-up too, chances are that if there have been two similar calls there will almost certainly have been others we haven't heard of.

Think he was a genuine salesman, but would hate to think of him using those techniques on more vulnerable people, who knows what they'll end up signing up to! He was early twenties, slim, short brown hair. If they come round again I will find out where their office is and complain. Anyway glad some clever person thought of streetlife, its like a new and improved neighbourhood watch!

Can I suggest just call the police, and the local paper, and express your concerns there? If this is a con artist or worse the police should be first port of call, and even if it's just unscrupulous selling , telling the paper about your concerns will spread the word around town far better than posting here. The police are only too willing to handle issues like this, I'm sure. And the paper won't print anything irresponsible.

Worth googling 'TalkTalk cold callers'. There is a thread on moneysavingexpert.com about these cold callers, wouldn't let me post it on here. Lots of people seem to have had similar experiences, one said that they asked to use the home phone to 'get the deal'!