Most people who call at your home will be genuine. But sometimes someone may turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into your home.
If someone calls on you:
- LOCK - Keep your front and back doors locked, even when you are at home.
- STOP - Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked the back door and taken the key out. Look through a spy hole or window to see who it is
- CHAIN - If you decide to open the door, put the chain or door bar on first, if you have one. Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.
- CHECK - Even if they have an appointment, check the identity card carefully. Close the door while you do this. Still unsure? Look up a phone number in the phone book and ring to verify their identity. Do not use the phone number on the identity card , as this may be false.
- NEVER- Keep large amounts of money in your home and never agree to be taken to the bank to withdraw cash.
Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, police or utility companies. They can also turn up as builders or gardeners and try to trick you into paying for unnecessary work. You should never agree to have work done by someone just passing by. If you think works needs to be done, get at least two quotes from reputable companies.
If you think a bogus caller has called on you, report it to the police immediately.
If in doubt, keep them out! Call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06
For more information try the Home Office website or the DirectGov website.
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