Beat the bogus caller

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 may be men, women or even children.

They may ask for a drink of water or to wash their hands. Some may be looking for a lost pet. In fact, people may use any story.

Do not keep large amounts of money in your home.

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 trusted companies (two or three should be enough) and also ask a friend or relative for a recommendation.You can check whether the company is reputable by contacting Bridgend County Borough Councils trading standards office.

LOCK, STOP, CHAIN and CHECK

When someone calls at your door and offers to do repairs to your home or to ask for urgent help, or when someone official knock on your door, follow these simple steps to help protect yourself and your home from bogus callers.

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 any back doors and taken the key out. Look through the spyhole or the window to see who it is.

CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the personon the doorstep. (Normally, when the door is shut and locked, leavethe bar or chain off in case you need to get out in an emergency.)

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. 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.

CHECK: If someone who looks official calls at your door, always do the following. 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.

1. 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.
2. Phone directory enquiries. It will help to check whether the company is genuine.
3. 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 you think a bogus caller has called at your door, report it to the police immediately – dial 999 and tell them what has happened.

If you let someone into your home, even if you know them,and you become uncomfortable, make excuses and leave. Go to a neighbour’s house or ask a friend to come back with you. If you have a community alarm use it.

DOOR BARS and CHAINS

If you haven’t already got a door bar or chain fitted, you should think about getting one. A door bar only costs a few pounds and is easier to use than a chain.

Chains can be fitted to PVC doors by using self tapping screws.

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.

PASSWORDS

The gas, water and electricity companies 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.

For further advice please contact your local Crime Reduction Tactical Advisor

Deborah Elward on 01656 679558 or e mail deborah.elward@south-wales.pnn.police.uk

For more crime prevention advice Click here