Police in Halifax have received a report of unknown person/s distributing a false invoice and money bags at a housing complex for vulnerable and elderly residents in the HX1 area of the town. The invoices were left on residents doorsteps in the middle of the night. The invoice is for window cleaning, requesting payment is made of £11 either by cash in the money bag or a bank transfer into personal account details.
The window cleaning has never actually taken place, and this is believed to be an effort to fraudulently take payment for a false service targeting vulnerable residents.
This is a method that may be replicated in other areas, in particular targeting elderly or vulnerable residents.
Where possible, please raise awareness with any residents who may be prone to targeting by this type of doorstep crime.
Any concerns or suspicious incidents should be reported to West Yorkshire Trading Standards via 0808 223 1133, if there is an immediate threat such as a trader will not leave – dial 999.