A man living in Ainsdale has told of his panic after a "young guy" who was "just out of jail" knocked on his front door.
At around 6pm yesterday (Thursday), the man posted in a neighbourhood app, saying: "Recently had a couple of callers at the door selling dishcloths etc.
"Young guys, a couple offering ID, but all with a similar speech. They’re 'just out of jail but not dangerous' etc.
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"Today I got a load of verbal abuse about interrupting him before he’d finished his speech which continued until he had left my driveway.
"This is just to make you aware of these callers who may upset some, or your elderly neighbours, with their aggressive attitudes."
People responding to his post had differing views.
One man, from Birkdale, wrote: "We've had similar visitors on and off over the past 20 years. Some appear stressed, most seem harmless."
A woman wrote: "This is a tough thing to get right. I do think we should listen to them even though we may not buy anything, but at least smile and wish them well.
"Give them a chance and a little of your time instead of giving them even more evidence that the whole world is against them."
A man said: "We went to a coffee shop recently totally staffed by ex-offenders.
"It was a very nice few hours and the coffee, cake, conversation and service were amazing. Give them a chance, I say."
Another wrote: "If they are rude or aggressive, call the police."
Many of the country's police services warn of such scams, and Safelocaltrades.com agrees it could be a con.
Part of an article on their website reads: "The sellers may say that they are on a 'rehabilitation course' arranged by probation services or other organisations trying to find people work.
"This is not the case. Probation services do not run such schemes."
Merseyside Police was approached for comment.
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