General Chat

My mother-in-law who is 80 answers the door to everyone even though I tell her not to. She has been ripped off twice now with cowboys soliciting for work in her area. Once a part of a wall needed doing they charged her £1,300 and this week she has paid £500 for guttering to be replaced. Any suggestions as to what I can do other then tying her to her chair. I have typed a notice for her front door but it makes no difference. She feels intimidated by them and pays up.

that is awful. Does she have neighbours who could help? Joy

If these 'cowboys' are conning other elderly in the area, have a word with your local police. Not saying they can help your mum now, but may stop it happening again. If these 'cowboys' know the police are keeping a look out they may disappear and stop targetting the elderly. We can only hope. !! Pat

Hi Margaret Suggest she does what I do. I always say, your right, we do need a ........., I must mention it to my son, he is a (builder, roofer, gardener etc etc) whichever fits. They always scoot off then:)) Chrissie x

margaret it may be worth having a word with your local police station and see if they have any stickers you can have to place by the front door adviseing callers that they will be check by the police if suspicious that may help howardxx

My 93 year old Mum in law tells everyone that I look after her money so they would have to talk to me to see if she can afford it etc. Same if anyone rings her trying to sell things. She even denies having cheque book/cash card etc, says they are with me. You might be able to get the community police to go round and talk to her about security. If a policeman tells her not to open the door without the chain on and never buy from door to door sellers she might take more notice. Mandy

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. trouble is she is so trusting.

Her neighbours are at work so cant help her. She always promises me that she wont answer the door but she does, and she signs up for all sorts of things as well, and I have to sort it out, she says sorry wont do it again but she does. I will have a word with the neighbourhood watch in her area and alao the police Thanks again everyone. You are all so helpful on here

Thanks I have done a sign for her front door, but the cowboys ignore that. Maybe one in the garden is a good idea. Anything that will put them off

Also maybe a chat from a police officer would stick in her mind more than me nagging her. Thing is she is not senile. She very independant. I always have the worry of them charging her a huge amount and taking her to the bank to get it.

Yeah Ive just been ripped off on ebay ,Ibought a indian table and chairs payed £65 delivery and when it got to me the leg fell off and couldnt be repaired .they offered a refund but I have to pay another £65 to send it back rip off.MARG.

The good old fashioned message written in large letters usually works 'NO HAWKERS, THIS MEANS YOU!!!' put it in a couple of places and if they still knock just ask them what part of it they did not understandand and shut the door. Mind you these days it's more than likely that some people don't even know what a hawker is. Anyway give it a try, hope all goes well for her.