Spot the Bogus Caller

Stop the con artist on your doorstep

Often we hear featured news stories within the media where house owners have been burgled and conned on the doorstep.  People who visit front doors pretending to be representative of an organisation or company are unfortunately too common place and such individuals are actually posing within a fake identity. What is sometimes known as a ‘distraction burglary’ applies to bogus callers, who often prey on the more vulnerable in our society.

Home security measures are increasing as technology available drives up the effectiveness of preventing a break in. So, most burglars will prefer not to make the effort of deliberately engaging within forced entry, if there are other, easier methods available. A bogus caller can impersonate any type of genuine caller such as the Water Board, Electric Company, council representatives or professionals from health services. Those who pretend to be tradesmen, claiming an urgent need to enter your property to make needed repairs or specific checks, may be posing as someone they are not.

Some cases where trust is gained on the doorstep involve women and possibly children or young people, so be wary at all times. The bogus caller is looking to pull the wool over your eyes, gain your confidence and then steal valuables and possessions from your home. They may even attempt to levy exorbitant charges for any ‘work’ they pretend to undertake at your property.

Older people, single women and those with disabilities are often the most targeted groups within the community by underhand bogus callers. If you have a neighbour who could be particularly at risk try and ensure they are fully armed with information on how to spot and prevent the fake caller on their doorstep. Anyone can increase their security from having a door chain fitted to a property and in particular members of this more at risk group would directly benefit.

Remind neighbours to seek your help if ever needed in any suspicious circumstances, reassure them they are always right to ask for more support if required. Anonymous reports can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or always ring the local police, using ’999′ in cases of emergency.

How do I check to ensure my caller is who they say they are?

Firstly, always secure your door with a chain, before you open it. This helps prevent any forced entry or pushy person from entering your property, until you are satisfied of their true identity.

Having a door viewing hole fitted is very useful. If there is one in the front door, remember to use this and even ask the person or group to show you identification over the viewer, or via opening the door on the chain.

Does your caller have a pre-booked appointment and are you expecting them to be in attendance? If not, then always try and view the caller first, either by door viewer or nearby windows. If you open the door, remember to keep it chained.

Some bogus callers will call at the door and claim they are from a recognised company or organisation. Ensure that you telephone their office base to check on their identity further – genuine callers will never protest at this method. Always use a telephone number that you have found yourself, either via the local phonebook, other directory, or via an online search.

Fraudulently posing callers can be devious and supply you with a fake telephone contact to use if they are challenged, so ensure it is the real number you are using. You may always ask those legitimate callers to come back at a more convenient time and arrange for family, neighbours or friends to also be in attendance. Remember it is your home, you never have to let anyone in against your will.

If in any doubt, at any stage of a caller’s identity, ring the police immediately.  Ensure your safety by dialling ’999′ and ask for help or advice.

Crime Prevention Officers that operate within your local area can also give advice on how to keep yourself safe and information about equipment available such as door viewers. Depending on your area too, some utility companies within electrical, gas and water suppliers operate a password protection scheme so you can confirm a representative’s position within an organisation. In these instances, it is worth getting in touch with local companies to check if this could be used for you.

Stop, Chain and Check

Remember, ‘Stop, Chain and Check’ and you will always be able to safeguard yourself against the menace of prospective bogus callers on the doorstep.