Strange Caller In Worcester

[Donna Black]

Saw this odd bit of news in the Evesham Journal. It has something of the bogus social worker about it.

 

[PeteS]

Strange indeed, but what on earth persuaded the householder to sign anything, let alone a blank piece of paper?

 

[Donna Black]

Strange indeed, but what on earth persuaded the householder to sign anything, let alone a blank piece of paper?

It gets weirder the more I think about it.

 

[PeteS]

It gets weirder the more I think about it.

I think there is probably a lot more to this than has been reported.

 

[Wolstan Dixie]

Standard training test for MI5/6 agents - accost a complete stranger and get their passport number or signature.

 

[Gloucestrian]

Standard training test for MI5/6 agents - accost a complete stranger and get their passport number or signature.

How do you know?

Edit to add: I see now that this emoticon is apparently supposed to be "oops", I thought it looked surprised. Ah well.

 

[Wolstan Dixie]

There have been two or three accounts published - it's a well known initiative test to spook watchers; though usually it is something that can be checked like passport/driving licence/NHS/NI number. It is so similar it strikes me this is what it was about. You would have to spin quite a tale to get someone to sign a blank piece of paper.

 

[CuriousIdent]

A very scant news article. No details over the age of the resident in question or the circumstances under which they were being asked to sign.

Genuinely odd.

 

[Carse]

Hands up who would know what a “valid pedlars license” looks like. Anyone? No?

 

[Wolstan Dixie]

Well strangely I once applied for a Pedlar's Licence! It's a delightful medieval survival - anyone cold calling selling door-to-door (encyclopedias, vacuum cleaners, brushes . . .) needs one.

 

[Schrodinger's Zebra]

Saw this odd bit of news in the Evesham Journal. It has something of the bogus social worker about it.

Very odd indeed. I find it curious the quote from the police that "no personal information was harvested". What, other than the person's signature? Which could then be used to forge things?

And what on earth made the person sign it?

 

[Yithian]

Standard training test for MI5/6 agents - accost a complete stranger and get their passport number or signature.

That was my immediate thought.

The signature is both the goal and the 'proof' that the goal was achieved.

The vital but lacking information is what the cold-caller said to get through the door.

 

[Min Bannister]

Standard training test for MI5/6 agents - accost a complete stranger and get their passport number or signature.

Well strangely I once applied for a Pedlar's Licence! It's a delightful medieval survival - anyone cold calling selling door-to-door (encyclopedias, vacuum cleaners, brushes . . .) needs one.

*puts two and two together* :sherlock:

 

[Tribble]

*puts two and two together* :sherlock:

MI5/6 agents don't get paid enough so have to moonlight selling encyclopaedias?

 

[maximus otter]

Hands up who would know what a “valid pedlars license” looks like. Anyone? No?

How to apply for a pedlar's certificate.

(l never saw one during my service).

maximus otter

 

[pandacracker]

Complexion: Clear

From using Pear's soap, no doubt.

 

[IbisNibs]

Complexion: Clear

From using Pear's soap, no doubt.

Or another way of describing the invisible man.

 

[Frideswide]

@maximus otter Do you happen to know if the license is a UK thing or is different in Scotland?

 

[maximus otter]

@maximus otter Do you happen to know if the license is a UK thing or is different in Scotland?

https://www.scotland.police.uk/about-us/finance/service-fees-and-charges/146963/

maximus otter