Police Warn of Doorstep Sellers Overcharging Vulnerable Residents Using Sumup Card Readers.

The Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU) is warning people to be aware of door-to-door salespeople targeting vulnerable people across the region and nationally by using card reading machines to deliberately overcharge for goods.

Incidents of suspects pressuring people into buying low-value household items such as feather dusters, cloths and basic utensils have been reported across the region.

Victims are then overcharged on mobile card machines with victims in some cases being defrauding of thousands of pounds on their doorsteps.

Recent cases investigated by the YHROCU involve SumUp card reader devices where victims were charged far more than agreed, sometimes overcharged by as little as £50, and in other instances with totals running into thousands of pounds.

Suspects quote a smaller price at the door before amending the number without the victim’s knowledge or by rushing them through the payment process so they don’t notice the final sum is far higher than agreed.

This tactic is consistent with wider doorstep fraud patterns, pressure selling, unfair practices and deception, highlighted in national guidance.

YHROCU counter fraud coordinator Jags Sanghera said: “These individuals are not genuine community sellers, they are organised criminals deliberately targeting those who may place trust in a knock at the door.

“If anyone approaches you unannounced offering items for sale, do not engage. Stop the transaction immediately, close the door, and report the incident to the police without delay.”

How to protect yourself and others

Don’t buy on the doorstep. You are under no obligation to engage with cold callers. If in doubt, keep them out.

Never hand over your card or allow anyone else to operate the machine. Check the screen carefully and decline if the amount isn’t what you agreed. Ask for a printed or emailed receipt and business details.

Look out for neighbours, especially those who are older or otherwise vulnerable, and report suspicious activity.

If you’ve been targeted or think you’ve overpaid

Report it online at Report Fraud (the national reporting centre)

If a crime is in progress, the suspect is nearby, call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101.

Contact your bank immediately to dispute any unauthorised or incorrect transaction. Card-reader providers outline chargeback processes for incorrect amounts or disputed transactions.

The Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU) is warning people to be aware of door-to-door salespeople targeting vulnerable people across the region and nationally by using card reading machines to deliberately overcharge for goods.

Incidents of suspects pressuring people into buying low-value household items such as feather dusters, cloths and basic utensils have been reported across the region.

Victims are then overcharged on mobile card machines with victims in some cases being defrauding of thousands of pounds on their doorsteps.

Recent cases investigated by the YHROCU involve SumUp card reader devices where victims were charged far more than agreed, sometimes overcharged by as little as £50, and in other instances with totals running into thousands of pounds.

Suspects quote a smaller price at the door before amending the number without the victim’s knowledge or by rushing them through the payment process so they don’t notice the final sum is far higher than agreed.

This tactic is consistent with wider doorstep fraud patterns, pressure selling, unfair practices and deception, highlighted in national guidance.

YHROCU counter fraud coordinator Jags Sanghera said: “These individuals are not genuine community sellers, they are organised criminals deliberately targeting those who may place trust in a knock at the door.

“If anyone approaches you unannounced offering items for sale, do not engage. Stop the transaction immediately, close the door, and report the incident to the police without delay.”

How to protect yourself and others

Don’t buy on the doorstep. You are under no obligation to engage with cold callers. If in doubt, keep them out.

Never hand over your card or allow anyone else to operate the machine. Check the screen carefully and decline if the amount isn’t what you agreed. Ask for a printed or emailed receipt and business details.

Look out for neighbours, especially those who are older or otherwise vulnerable, and report suspicious activity.

If you’ve been targeted or think you’ve overpaid

Report it online at Report Fraud (the national reporting centre)

If a crime is in progress, the suspect is nearby, call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101.

Contact your bank immediately to dispute any unauthorised or incorrect transaction. Card-reader providers outline chargeback processes for incorrect amounts or disputed transactions.