At about 8:30 a.m. the doorbell rang. I hoped it might be the postman but, given the previous incidents this week of scam callers (see Suspicious caller and False alarm), I didn’t buzz the front door open, as I would done before, but went and opened it in person. Just as well I did.

Standing on the doorstep was a tall young man in dark clothes, his face covered by a black face mask, carrying a tool box. He announced that he was from the Council and had come to check the security of the communal area. He offered no ID.

I replied that we had received no letter to this effect and that I had already contacted the Council who had informed me that no such jobs had been commissioned on this prioperty. They had also emphasised that all such work would be notified to tenants in advance by letter.

He asked me to confirm our flat number and muttered something about “a lady”, pulling out his phone, as though searching for a reference or phone number. I told him that it made no difference as I was not allowing him access. With that I shut the door.

I next went through the by now familiar routine of contacting the police on the 101 phone number to update my existing report. My information was duly noted and the officer told me that details would be forwarded to the local police as there might be a gang operating in the area.

Then I called the Council’s Housing Department to report to them. The last time I called, I had spoken to a gentleman who was very much on the ball and had responded well to my information. This time, I was put through to a young man who was obviously out of his depth. I believe, but am not sure, that he took notes and if so, perhaps these will eventually be matched up with my previous report. We can but hope.

That today’s caller shoiild mention our flat specifically as the point of contact shows that these scammers have targeted us specially for some reason. I can only hope that the fact that I have now sent three of their callers packing will persuade them not to pester us further.

Update at 12:25 p.m.

The hope expressed in the last sentence above has already been dashed. The doorbell rang and on the doorstep was a man carrying a bag of tools and claiming to from the Council to carry out “a front door survey”, whatever that is meant to be.

“You will have received a letter,” he said.

I told him we have had no letter, that this is a scam and that I am not admitting him.

He took it all calmly and remained polite as I shut the front door.

I am beginning to wonder whether these are in fact genuine tradespeople who are themselves being conned, perhaps by a gang of people taking finders’ fees for for non-existent jobs. Does that sound far-fetched? It would fit the picture and explain why these people seem genuine.