POLICE are urging residents to be vigilant after a report of a bogus caller operating in Driffield.
Shortly before 8pm on Sunday a man, believed to be in his 20s and claiming to be working for the international charity Oxfam, called at a property on West Promenade.
A 69-year-old man who lives at the property answered the door and the alleged bog
us caller, who was wearing an Oxfam 365 T-shirt, asked if he could come in out of the rain to discuss donating to the charity.
The elderly resident declined because the worker did not have any identification to prove he was from the charity and he then alerted the police.
It is not believed the caller made any other attempts to enter properties along West Promenade but police would like to speak to anyone in the area who may have been approached by the man.
A police spokesman advised residents: “If someone who looks official calls at your door, always do the following.
“Ask for, and carefully check, their identity card, even if they have a pre-arranged appointment.
“All genuine callers will carry an identity card.
“Do they look like the person on the card? Is the name the same one as that on your letter if you have had one?
“Close the door while you are checking these things.
“If you are not expecting them and they have not shown you an identity card, do not let them in until you have checked and double-checked the caller is genuine.
“Only let them in when you are absolutely sure they are genuine.
“Genuine callers will always be happy to make an appointment and will carry an identity card with a photograph.
“They will not mind waiting if you want to phone and confirm their identity or want to rearrange the appointment.
Legitimate Oxfam representatives are currently working in the East Riding area. If you would like to confirm the identity of a Oxfam representative, contact Oxfam on 0300 2001300 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
