Bogus callers are a big potential threat

Most home contents insurance policies specifically exclude theft by deception, so be extra careful of the bogus caller.

When you answer the door to your home you will regularly recognise the caller, the postman, a neighbour, a friend. But what should you do if you don’t recognise them?

Bogus callers target mainly the elderly and vulnerable, often women and people living alone. Often they appear to be officially representing a body like the council, the gas or even the police and can look and sound very believable. They will have a plausible story tricking you into leaving your property or letting them come in. They will then take your mind off ‘them’ by asking you to find something or look carefully at something and meanwhile steal items and money from you. This is also known as distraction burglary. These people are common confidence tricksters and thieves and although they are rarely violent, it’s important to take precautions when people call at your home unannounced.

Last year there were 12,000 reported incidents involving bogus callers, and considering that only around 20% of cases are reported, there are a large number of individuals at large willing to attempt this type of crime.

The following suggestions come from the Neighbourhood Watch organisation and the Home Office in their attempt to raise awareness of this distressing problem.

When the front door bell rings unexpectedly STOP - CHAIN - CHECK!

STOP: Keep the chain on the door and keep it locked. Ask yourself, am I expecting anybody? Has any one made an appointment to call today? If possible check if you know them by looking through a door spyhole or through a window, if you have one. If there is more than one person be even more vigilant as con-men often use one person to distract whilst the other has a look round to see what is worth taking. Is the person wearing a uniform and is there any sign of a van with a company logo on it or company car outside?

CHAIN: Make sure the chain or door-bar is secured before you open the door. If you have a spyhole or window ask to see their identity card (ID) before opening the door. If it appears OK at a distance (or if you have no spyhole) open the chained door and take their identity.

CHECK: Does the caller know your name? If not, be very suspicious. Does the ID look official, does it have a Company Name that you recognise and the name and photograph of the caller? If the purpose for the call and ID appears satisfctory then ask them to wait while you check with their company. Find the company telephone number in the telephone directory and ring that number, never take the number from an ID card as this could also be bogus. Whilst ringing ask the company to confirm your account number or reference, only if the caller on the door step can repeat your account number should you consider letting them in.

All reputable companies sending employees to carry out work or individuals that need to talk to you will have sent a letter in advance, and probably arranged a password. As bogus callers use props like official looking ID cards and uniforms, make sure you are just as vigilant even if you are expecting someone from that company.

REMEMBER: You can always ask them to go away arrange an appointment by letter, for a later date, when you can have a friend or member of the family with you. A caller from any legitimate and reputable company would have no problem with such a suggestion.

If the caller is insistant and will not leave, or if you have any doubts at all, DON'T LET THEM IN. Keep your door chain on and if possible shut the door and call the police on 999.

Bogus callers includes the likes of cowboy builders and individuals offering to do gardening and odd jobs that call 'just because they have noticed something needs doing'. These con-men often attempt to take money for unnecessary work or worse still ask to be paid in advance, then disappear never to be seen again. You should never agree to any work being carried out by a passing stranger, no matter how urgent they attempt to make the job seem.

You should certainly NEVER accept any suggestion that they drive you to the bank to collect money. And you should NEVER sign any form of contract until you have talked to someone you trust to guide you properly! If a job appears that it may require doing always get two or three estimates from tradesmen that YOU select, preferably from recommendations from friends or family. If there are any doubts about the reputation of a company you can check with your local Trading Standards Office.

Beware also the apparent emergency like 'I've just fallen over can I use your phone to call for a lift?', 'Sorry, can my little girl use your loo, she's desperate?' Bogus callers often use women or children as part of their plan, because they appear more trustworthy. Remember use STOP - CHAIN - CHECK!

STOP: Check your back door if you have one, lock it and take the key with you, before you consider opening the front door.

CHAIN: Make sure the door-bar or chain is secured before you undo the latch, as a bogus caller may only want the door unlocked then try to force their way in past the frail or elderly.

CHECK: Only consider helping if you have another capable person with you at the time. It is not rude to refuse, remember they are putting you in an entirely vulnerable position when you do not know them from Adam!

If you think there are bogus callers in your locality then call the police or Crime Stoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.

Top of Page