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Bogus callers
Most callers to your home are genuine, but there are those who are not and precautions need to be taken to prevent these bogus callers getting into your home.
You may feel it is rude to refuse entry to someone, but it is your doorstep and therefore, your decision. There is a lot you can do a lot to prevent yourself, your family or friends from becoming victims whatever the weather and time of year.
Remember never leave the door unlocked and do not to leave the keys in unsafe places such as under the doormat or plant pot for you to gain access to the property.
Things to be aware of:
Criminals using false identities to try and get into your home to steal are known as ‘distraction burglars’ or ‘bogus callers’
Just because a caller says they’re from your water or gas company, the council, or even the police, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are
Bogus callers can also wear ordinary clothes, they can be children or adults wanting nothing more than a drink of water or to wash their hands - beware these requests, they are excuses to distract you
Be wary of unknown youngsters who call asking for a drink, searching for lost pets, or saying their football is in your garden - they may be trying to distract you from your door.
Remember it's your home. Don't be afraid to say ‘No’ and report anything suspicious to police.
The following advice will help to beat bogus callers:
Keep front and back doors locked (with keys taken out), even when at home
Stop and think if anyone is expected
Look through a spy hole or window to identify the caller
Put the door chain or door bar on first before opening the door, and keep it on whilst talking to the caller
Check their identity card carefully even if the caller has pre-arranged appointment
Don’t let visitors who are in a hurry, pressurise or confuse you - ask them to wait outside while you confirm who they are, genuine visitors won’t mind waiting
If you need to leave a caller standing outside while you collect or check something indoors, close the door and lock it
Never use a telephone number given by the caller – find the number in your telephone directory
If you are not comfortable ask the caller to return when someone is with you.
If you are not sure DO NOT LET THEM IN
Genuine callers will not mind waiting whilst their identities are being verified. Utility Companies or councils now offer a password identification system. Any callers from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity. Further information about password schemes can be obtained by contacting individual companies or visiting our Utilities Suppliers Contact page
Share the advice:
Tell family, friends and neighbours, especially older people, about these precautions and review their security as if it was your own home.
Further information:
Further advice is available from your local Crime Prevention Advisor at your local police station or agencies like Age UK or Consumer Direct - available on 08454 04 05 06 for free consumer advice.
A Home Office book ‘How to beat the bogus caller’ is also available to download.
