Bogus callers
Bogus callers
Doorstep callers come in various forms. The difficulty at the
door is knowing whether or not they are genuine.
Always report bogus callers to the police.
Always put the chain on before you open the door, or use a door
viewer.
Bogus 'officials' may claim to be from gas/water/electricity
board, health authority or other organisations but all 'officials'
have a company identity card. Ask to see it and take hold of it to
read it. Keep asking questions until you are absolutely sure they
are who they say they are. If they are genuine they will have no
objections to this. If you are in any doubt call their head office,
but close the door first and do not call a number they give to you,
look it up in a telephone directory.
Keep your account numbers for services such as gas, water,
electric, BT etc so that you can ask the caller what your account
number is to ensure they are genuine. Some companies operate a
password scheme and some have Braille on their ID cards. If you are
still in doubt, do not let them in, but call the police.
Bogus 'workmen', like tree loppers, tarmaccers etc will sometimes
offer to carry out work at a low price but when it is completed the
price increases. Often they will ask for money in advance, they may
even offer to drive you to the bank or building society to withdraw
money to pay them. They could then simply disappear or do a poor
job very expensively. If you need any building work done, get three
written quotes from reputable firms, and then decide which one is
the best.
Bogus 'dealers' may offer to buy antiques, furniture or jewellery
at what seems to be a good price. Chances are they are trying to
trick you into selling something for a lot less than it is worth.
If you want to sell something choose one or two genuine dealers to
value the item or ask a friend or relative for advice. Ask them for
ID and a calling card.
If callers become intimidating, ask a neighbour for help or call the police. You are quite entitled to say NO and ask them to leave.
Crime prevention tips:
• If you're not sure who is at your door, don't open it. Check
the identity of the caller by calling the company they are
purporting to be from i.e. Police, Council or Gas, Electricity,
Water companies. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local
directory or provided independently by your service provider. Do
not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may
be bogus.
• Many utility service providers like gas, electricity and water,
provide password schemes for customers, sign up to these. When
unannounced callers claiming to be from these utility providers
call at your door they should know the password if they are
genuine.
• 'Water Boards' no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used
only by bogus callers.
• Don't keep large quantities of cash at home, put it in the bank
where it is safe.
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.
• Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you
close the door behind them - distraction burglars often work in
teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through
the insecure door.
• If somebody asks for your help (ie needs to make a telephone
call, lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper)
refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed
door or call a friend or neighbour to come and help.
• If you suspect a bogus caller is at your door call the police
immediately.