POLICE have warned residents about a string of bogus door knockers in the area.

Conmen in the Rochford district have been posing as police officers and ex-convicts trying to sell goods to get back on their feet.

There have also been reports of unlicensed charity collectors.

The most common report has been of “Nottingham Knockers”, claiming to be ex-offenders working with the police, council or probation service, selling household products.

Sheila Paul, of Weir Pond Road, received a knock at the door last week. She said: “He was a young lad with a big black bag.

“He waved this bit of paper at me and spoke very quietly. He said he was trying to get a job and hoped I would back him by buying something from him.

“I felt very guilty about saying no, but I didn’t know if it was a scam or not. Then I heard a friend of mine had the same thing happen to her.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said the goods being sold are often low quality and over-priced and warned residents to be alert to the scam. He added: “There is frequently a second person looking around the side of the property.

“They may show ID, but this is not an official document and will not have been issued by the council or the police.

“If you are cold-called by this type of trader our advice is not to get involved in conversation or buy anything from them.”

Police have also warned about other door knockers posing as police officers hunting for fake bank notes and subsequently stealing cash, or using a fake ID to enter residents’ homes and steal property.

Rochford District Council has warned against people knocking on doors posing as charity collectors, who do not have a licence issued by the council.

A spokesman said: “The council has received a number of reports of bogus charity collectors in the district. We are warning residents to be extra vigilant before handing over any money.

“Collections, both door-to-door and on-the-street, require permits from the council and legitimate collectors will be able to show you the collection permit on request.”

Anyone who thinks they have come into contact with a bogus caller should contact Essex Police by dialing 101.