Bogus Callers

Your guard can often drop when you are within your home. Bogus workmen and fraudulent sales people know this and can take advantage of your more relaxed state to either steal from your home or persuade you to hand over money for work which will either never be completed or be done to a very poor standard.

• Remember the following advice when you have callers at your door so as to minimise the risk of this happening to you :

• Always check to see who is at your door before you open it. A door viewer (sometimes known as a spy hole) may make this easier.

• If it is someone you do not know, put the door chain on before you open it.

• Ask for identification. Reputable callers will have no problem in providing you with their company identification card, which should also have a photograph of the caller on it. They will also not mind if you close the door while you check the identification card. Some public utilities (eg. gas, water, electricity) operate a password system. Do bear in mind, though, that identification cards can be 'faked' and you should not rely on the card alone to satisfy you as to a person's authenticity.

• If you choose to let someone into your home and then become uncomfortable, ask them to leave. If you feel under pressure, contact a neighbour or friend and ask them to assist you.

• Never give out personal details or financial details over the telephone or to callers at your door.

• Responding to suspicious callers at your door can be difficult as you may feel embarrassed about refusing to let someone in. Please do not be and remember the Police advice regarding callers at your door. If in doubt keep them out and call the Police. We will assess the situation for you.