Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, the police, health organisations or gas, water or electricity companies. They may also pose as traders offering to carry out work to your property. They can be convincing and persuasive.
LOCK, STOP, CHAIN and CHECK
If someone you don’t recognize calls at your door, always do the following:
- LOCK: Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home.
- STOP: Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked your back door and take the key out. Look through the spy hole or the window to see who it is.
- CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first and keep it on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep. (Normally, when the door is shut and locked, leave the bar or chain off in case you need to get out in an emergency.)
- CHECK: 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 check. 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 YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS KEEP THEM OUT!
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.
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.
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.
Lincolnshire Trading Standards also urge anyone who has been affected by to contact 01522 782341 and report the incident. Or, If you have any information about any person(s) who have committed such crimes and/or vehicles that they use, or they have identified to you, the names or addresses of people who have been victims of such crimes, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Remember you will not be asked for your name, address or phone number, the call is free and is not recorded.
