Your neighbourhood policing team want to alert you to a recent report of cold callers targeting our community. Cold callers typically contact you over the phone or in person without prior invitation or arrangement. While some may offer legitimate services, others may engage in misleading practices, potentially putting your personal information at risk. 

**Here are some key tips to protect yourself:**

-Verify Identity. Genuine companies will happily let you take the time to close your door or put down the phone to verify identity. If you're phoned by a bank, you can put the phone down and call 159 to check, this works for any bank. 

-Do Not Share Personal Information. Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information in unsolicited calls or in person.

-Be Wary of High-Pressure Tactics. Cold callers may attempt to rush you into making decisions or purchases. Take your time, and don’t feel pressured to agree to anything on the spot.

-Use Call Blocking Features. Many phone services offer features to block unwanted calls. Explore these options to protect yourself from persistent cold callers.

-Report Suspicious Activity. 

-Educate Others. Share this information with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams