Police Scotland is aware of cold callers in the Aviemore and Dingwall areas as officers confirm some are ‘legitimate’ but still urges people to be vigilant and report concerns
Police Scotland is aware of cold callers in the Aviemore and Dingwall areas advising that some are ‘legitimate’ but still urges people to be vigilant.
Members of the public appear to have raised concerns and responded to a social media post that even those cold callers collecting for charities are quite determined.
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That has caused some alarm leading to the matter being raised with the police but officers say that “If a salesperson or cold caller is genuine, they will respect your right to verify their credentials”.
The police stated: “We are aware of reports regarding concerns about cold callers and charity collectors in the Aviemore and Dingwall areas during March 2025 claiming to be from a cancer charity.
“We can confirm there are legitimate callers operating in the area on their behalf, however, we'd like to remind people to be vigilant and follow safety advice.
Constable Jamie Emburey added: “We are committed to keeping our communities in the Highland region safe. If a salesperson or cold caller is genuine, they will respect your right to verify their credentials.
“We urge people to report any concerns to us so that we can take appropriate action."
However one woman said: “Just had to take an elderly friend to her bank to have the bank change her card. She had the added problem of having dementia but they still got her to sign up!!”
Another said: “Totally ignored a sign on my Dad’s door in Aviemore saying no cold callers today.”
And a third described a pushy cold caller: “I told him I was waiting for the council and a telephone call, phone was upstairs charging. I only opened the door because I was expecting my housing officer and I politely said I didn’t have time he kept saying it will take ‘two mins’ I told him my phone was ringing and I had to go still ‘it will take two mins’ I felt really uncomfortable and he was pushy. In future I just won’t be answering the door, I’ll pay the first month but nothing after that.
“I’m not far off middle aged and felt pressured so no idea how the elderly would feel, best to just not open the door. Legit or not.”
