City of York Council is warning consumers and businesses to be aware of a possible scam.

Cold callers have been offering to sharpen tools as a free trial. However, when the cold callers come back to return the tools, they then demand a substantial payment.

The council has been contacted by an organisation in York which has experienced this approach and North Yorkshire Police has also had a report from a company in Easingwold.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said: “Residents and companies concerned about this kind of approach should either call the Consumer Helpline on 0345 4040506 or North Yorkshire Police on 101.”

City of York Council has had more reports of a scam in which cold callers in the York area are claiming to be selling household items as part of a rehabilitation scheme run by local or North East 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 Service. This is not the case and any IDs produced will be fakes.

The Council says, “Our youth offending services would never endorse such a scheme and we ask that residents do not support the scam by buying from these people.

Instead, please alert neighbours to this – particularly any vulnerable neighbours. Anyone approached by a salesperson claiming to be part of such a scheme should ring York police on 101 and report it.

North Yorkshire Police recommend that people concerned about unwanted visitors should call 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

Scams Awareness Month runs throughout July to highlight how scams continue to flourish when people stay silent.

We’re asking you to keep two things in mind when you’re ‘approached’, or when you’re looking for goods or services:

• don’t be rushed
• don’t be hushed

You should:

• take your time to make a decision
• get all the facts before parting with your money or personal information
• speak out when you think you’ve spotted a scam

Figures show that less than 5% of victims report scams to the authorities – our Trading Standards team is encouraging you to report suspicious activities, get advice if you think you’ve been conned, and to warn others to help stop scams from spreading.

Types of scam

Scams come in every form: from doorstep double glazing sales to online investment offers.

People may be targeted with ‘vishing’ calls where a fraudster impersonates their bank to collect their bank details, or by bogus companies offering computer security services.

Online scams include dodgy job adverts and offers for goods and services, while mail scams may ask victims to pay a fee in order to claim their winnings from a prize draw they haven’t entered.

Further information

The Citizens Advice website provides details about activities, information and resourcess to help you take part in Scam Awareness Month, including model press releases, blogs and a range of online content to reflect the weekly themes.