City of York Council has had reports of a scam in which cold callers in the York area are selling household items, and claiming that this is part of a rehabilitation scheme run by local probation, youth offending or prison services.
Residents have told the council that individuals are going door-to-door in York and the surrounding areas trying to sell dish cloths and other cleaning or household items.
They claim to have identification (ID) cards issued by the Youth Offending Team, Prison or Probation Services.
This is not the case and any IDs produced will be fakes.
Falsely claiming to work for the council is an offence, so please call Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline 0345 4040506. North Yorkshire Police also recommend that people concerned about unwanted visitors should call 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.