Locals over in a quiet town in Northamptonshire have been left terrified after a number of homes were marked with chalk.
While this method is often associated with burglars, particularly dog thieves, some believe the marks may be down to a fake salesman.
Gemma Smallbones - who lives in Desborough where the chalk signs appeared - said she discovered the markings after a man claiming to be an energy salesman from Utilita visited her house on 21 April.
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"He was telling me that I was paying too much electric on my pay as you go meter," she said. "I told him that I don't have pay as you go and I pay monthly, then he seemed to be in a rush to go.
Gemma continued: "He was acting strangely, stood really close to the pane of glass in my front door like he was looking through it, he didn't step back when I opened the door.
"He made me feel uncomfortable so I just wanted to get rid of him. When he had gone I checked outside and found the chalk marking and this made me feel petrified for my family and my dogs.
"Obviously we had been targeted for something but we don't know what."
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This isn't the only account that contributes to the theory, with Gemma outlining how there are lots of others who have experienced the same person visiting their house and three who've had the tags.
Another who noticed white markings on her home is Desborough resident Kristy Clayforth-Lee.
While she's not sure when they were made, she said that she spotted a 'dodgy bloke hanging around the back of the houses'.
She said: "Also, he avoided looking at me and turned to the side when I tried to get a good look at him at the end of the drive, but I did take note that he wasn't a young man."
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Meanwhile, Sarah Sharpe from Desborough came across the man who claimed to be working for Utilita.
"He was very persistent and would not leave when I told him I had to leave to take my son to nursery. He then came back twice even though I said I wasn't interested," she said.
Although no one has actually caught anyone in the act, there's an increasing amount of evidence to suggest that the fake Utilita man could be to blame.
After receiving reports on the incidents, Northamptonshire Police are now urging locals to call them if they see anything that makes them suspicious.
A spokesperson from Utilita said they're not aware of anyone pretending to be one of their salesmen in that area, but added that customers should 'remain vigilant' as there are people who do this.
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They continued: "All Utilita salesmen and engineers have identification cards so if they don't have that, you know they're not legitimate.
"If you are suspicious of someone who comes to your door, don't give them any personal information, just say no thank you, close the door, and report them."
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