Bogus Callers

Most people who call at your home will be genuine but it’s important to be on your guard and remember there are bogus callers about.

These are people who turn up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into your home to steal.

Too many people have been fooled into letting callers through the front door only to discover their valuables have been stolen while they were distracted.

Scams

Bogus callers are creative and their reasons for needing entry into your home can seem plausible, but be cautious.

The person whose car has broken down and needs to use your phone to call the recovery service may not be who they seem.

More complex scams involve people pretending to be from utility companies and needing access to your home.

These people often work in pairs. While one person distracts the homeowner, the other gains entry to your home to steal. Typical scenarios include stories of an emergency gas or water leak.

Identification

Always be sure the caller is who they say they are before letting them in. All genuine callers will have identification and won’t mind you asking to see it.

Representatives from water, gas and electric companies are unlikely to call at your home without an appointment and police are likely to be present if there is a real emergency.

If you don’t want callers in your home, tell them. If they fail to listen you should contact us.

Advice

Most people who call at your home will have a genuine reason for doing so but by taking a few simple precautions you can protect yourself and your home.

Follow our advice to stay safe:

• Don’t be frightened to ask for identification and always check it carefully. If you’re not sure, ask them to come back another day.
  
  
• Think about installing a door chain and use it. Keep the door on the chain until you’ve seen identification.
  
  
• If you need your glasses to read the identification, close the door before going to find them. Don’t leave the door open and unattended.
  
  
• Remember to lock the back door before opening the front.
  
  
• Don’t be pressured into letting someone into your home if you have suspicions.
  
  
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash in the house.
  
  
• Don’t believe scare stories. Not all callers are genuine.
  
  For more security advice read the How to beat the bogus caller leaflet produced by the Home Office.