Fake agents, door-to-door sales, surveys: don't be fooled!

In Villeneuve-lès-Béziers, door-to-door canvassing, regulated by municipal by-law, is subject to prior authorisation by the Mayor, for a given period and after verification of the regulatory administrative documents required of canvassers.

Residents must demand to see this document, signed by the Mayor and the head of the municipal police force.

-> municipal by-law n°ADMlN2023-OO9

Checking your electricity meter, selling calendars and various items... Any means is good enough to get into your home. Abusive canvassing is currently on the increase and is mainly targeting the elderly. The modus operandi is simple: the canvassers turn up in pairs, claiming to be mandated by the municipality or a public service: EDF, GDF, Police, Health Insurance, etc. To back up their approach, some crooks do not hesitate to claim to be mandated by the municipality or any other public service. Please note that the town never carries out canvassing, that those authorised to carry out surveys on behalf of public services have an accreditation card and that residents are informed in advance.

To protect yourself

• Avoid letting people into your home, and especially avoid letting them visit your home for any reason whatsoever. Use the door viewer ("judas"), the door opener or the protective chain.

• Do not accept any appointment by telephone at your home without checking the exact reason for the sales approach.

• Be vigilant when gas, electricity, post office, internet or telephone operators, police or gendarmes come to your home. Even if the person is in uniform, ask them to show a business card, a mission order or proof of service.

• If you let someone into your home, try to ask a neighbour to be present. Accompany them wherever they go inside your home. Never reveal where you hide your jewellery, money or other valuables.

• Never sign a contract or quotation on the same day - talk to people you know first. There is a 7-day cooling-off period for all doorstep sales.

• Never hand over your credit card or PIN code. 

• Immediately notify the municipal police on 06 20 50 49 49 or the police on 17.

Contact Police Municipale