BEWARE OF MASSAGE OFFER, SAYS PENSIONER
A STONEHAVEN pensioner has warned elderly people in the Mearns to follow the advice of police when it comes to allowing strangers into your home.
Joseph Pazdziorek contacted the Leader after becoming concerned by a visit from a representative who claimed to be offering free massage services to the elderly.
He said his wife received a phone call last week asking for details of her age, state of health and other personal information.
Grampian Police crime reduction officers say such information should never be given out over the phone.
A spokesman said: "Never give out personal information over the phone to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Be suspicious - even if they claim to be from your bank or the police. Ask for their phone number, check it is genuine and call them back."
Mr Pazdziorek said the caller then asked his wife to put her husband on the phone and explained that they offer massage treatments specifically designed to ease aches and pains in older people.
He arranged a time for the representative to visit the house the following day but several hours before the scheduled appointment received a second call to say they were in the area and would call round immediately.
The 88-year-old said he was concerned by the speed at which things were progressing and called his daughter, who had wanted to be present.
She said she would go to the house and Mr Pazdziorek said when he told the representative this, she said she had to take a call from the office and left, without saying goodbye.
He said: "There was something suspicious about it and I just want to let people in Stonehaven know. I was never given the name of the company and she did not show me any kind of ID.
"I think it was lucky I was there and asking questions, I would not have liked my wife to be on her own."
A Grampian Police spokesman stressed the importance of asking for identification before allowing strangers into your home. He said: "Always ask for identification. Reputable callers will have no problem in providing you with their company identification card, which should also have a photograph of the caller on it. They will also not mind if you close the door while you check the identification card.
"Do bear in mind, though, that identification cards can be 'faked' and you should not rely on the card alone to satisfy you as to a person's authenticity.
"If you choose to let someone into your home and then become uncomfortable, ask them to leave. If you feel under pressure, contact a neighbour or friend and ask them to assist you.
"Responding to suspicious callers at your door can be difficult as you may feel embarrassed about refusing to let someone in. Please do not be and remember the Police advice regarding callers at your door. If you are in any doubt, call the Police and we will assess the situation for you."
Grampian Police can be contacted on 0845 600 5 700 or call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Weather for Stonehaven
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 43 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
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