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Most people who call at your home will be genuine. But sometimes,
people turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way
into people’s homes.They are known as ‘distraction burglars’
or ‘bogus callers’, whose only aim is to get into homes
to distract people and steal their money or valuables.You should always
be aware when someone you don’t know calls at your door. By
using the advice in this leaflet, you can protect yourself and vulnerable
members of your family.
Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council,
the police, health organisations or gas, water or electricity companies.They
can be convincing and persuasive.
They use ‘props’ like an identity card or wear overalls
with a company logo. If you are expecting the caller, remember to
check their identification very carefully against the letter you have
been sent or the password you have agreed before you let them in.
And, if you are in any doubt, don't let them in.
These official visitors should always arrange an appointment with
you beforehand. If you are not expecting them and are alone, ask them
to call back when you have someone with you.
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If someone calls at your door and offers to do repairs to your home
or asks to come in so they can show you the products they are selling,
you should do the following.
Stop: Check your back door (if you have one), lock
it and take the key with you.
Chain: Put your door bar or chain on the front door
– it’s a useful barrier because they may try and pressure
you.
Check: Check their details before you let them into
your house. Do not agree to any work being done or sign a contract
until after you have talked to someone else.
Bogus callers can also turn up as builders or gardeners and try to
trick you into paying for unnecessary work.You should never agree
to having work done by someone who is just passing, or take their
word that work needs to be done at all. Do not be pressured into paying
them before they do any work. Do not accept any offer from them to
drive you to the bank to withdraw the money. If you think work needs
to be done, get quotes from other companies (two or three should be
enough) and also ask a friend or relative for a recommendation.You
can check whether the company is not reputable by contacting your
local council’s trading standards office..
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Some bogus callers call on older and vulnerable people saying they
need help urgently.They may ask you to help them outside the house
or ask to come in to make a phone call or have a glass of water.
Stop: Check your back door (if you have one), lock
it and take the key with you.
Chain: Put your door bar or chain on the front door.
Check: Only go to help them if you have someone
else with you. Don’t worry if you choose not to help - it is
not rude or unfriendly.
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If someone who looks official calls at your door, always do the following.
Stop: Before you answer, stop and think if you are
expecting anyone. Check that your back door is closed and locked and
take the key out.
Chain: Put the door bar or chain on. Look through
the spyhole (if your door has one) or the window to see who it is.
Always keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person
on your doorstep.
Check: Ask for and carefully check their identity
card, even if they have a prearranged appointment (all genuine callers
will carry one). Do they look like the person on the card? Is the
name the same one as that on your letter? Close the door while you
do this. If you are not expecting them and they have not shown you
an identity card, do not let them in until you have checked and double-checked
that the caller is genuine.
You can do this in three ways.
- Look up the phone number in the phone book and check it against
the card the caller has given you. Do not be tempted to just ring
the number on the card as it may be a fake.
- Phone directory enquiries. It will help to check whether the company
is genuine.
- Look at a recent bill to check the phone number.You should also
think about keeping a list of useful phone numbers, like gas, electricity
and water services, in a handy place. Many now have free phone numbers
to help you check the identity of their workers.
If, after these checks, you have any doubts about the caller, especially
if they came unannounced, tell them to call back later when someone
can be with you.You can also tell them to contact you by letter to
arrange a more convenient time.
Only let them in when you are absolutely sure that they are genuine.
KEEP THEM OUT if you have any doubts.
Genuine callers will always be happy to make an appointment to
call and will carry an identity card with a photograph.They won’t
mind waiting if you want to phone and confirm their identity or want
to rearrange the appointment.
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Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs or even teams. They are often
well organised. One will distract the person while the other searches
the house for money or other valuables.They can be men, women or children
(or often a combination).Watch out for anyone who says they are in
a hurry. Don’t let them pressure or confuse you.
If you think a bogus caller has called at your door, report it to
the police immediately – dial 999 and tell them what has happened.
Try to give the police a description of the person.While they are
on their way, tell a neighbour, caretaker or Neighbourhood Watch representative
just in case they try at other homes in the area.The earlier the police
know that bogus callers are working in the area, the quicker they
can investigate.
Local councils, health workers, the police, and gas, water and electricity
companies, with groups such as Age Concern and National Neighbourhood
Watch, are all working together to reduce this crime even more. Crime
against older people is rare.The advice in this leaflet will help
to protect you, your family and friends and stop this crime so you
can live safely and securely in your home. Remember though, most callers
to your home will be genuine.
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Passwords
The gas, water and electricity companies, and some councils, now
have a password system for older and vulnerable customers. Customers
give the company a word which is confidential to them and the company.
When their representative calls, they will be expected to tell the
customer the password to prove they are genuine. Many companies offer
special services to help you even more. Please contact your gas, water
and electricity suppliers, or other utilities, to find out more.
Door bars and chains
If you haven’t already got a door bar fitted, you should think
about getting one. It only costs a few pounds and is easier to use
than a chain.
If you have a PVC door, bars can sometimes be difficult to fit. Check
with the manufacturer before you buy a PVC door, and always ask for
a bar to be fitted.
A door bar or chain acts as a useful barrier when talking to unexpected
callers. It is a worthwhile investment.
Only put your door bar or chain on when you answer the door. Don’t
keep it on all the time in case you need to get out in an emergency.
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