Bogus Callers

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Bogus Callers

Most callers are genuine, but some are not. They could be con-men, thieves, or could be checking your security for when they come back later. That is why it is important to take precautions when people call at your home. Crimes against vulnerable people such as the elderly or people with learning difficulties are rare in this area, but this advice will help them become even rarer. Be on your guard if you get an unexpected caller, whether it is a man, a woman or a child. They may use any excuse to try and get in – they need the toilet, their car has broken down, or they are ill. If you are alone, DO NOT LET THEM IN, no matter how genuine they seem. Call a neighbour or a member of your family or a friend to come round to be with you while you deal with the situation.

Bogus “Officials” may be smartly dressed or have on a uniform and claim to be from a Council department or other organisation (water, electricity etc). Their aim is to talk their way past you into your home to see what they can steal. Always ask for identification – genuine officials will always carry this, and will not be offended by your request.

Bogus “dealers” may offer to buy any antiques, furniture or jewellery you may have at what may seem to you to be a good price, but these people rarely buy at a loss to themselves.

Bogus “workmen” may call on the pretence of seeing a fault in your roof, walls, etc that requires “urgent” repair, but the work they do is usually of very poor quality and a job is rarely finished. They may ask for cash in advance, or even offer to drive you to the bank so you can get the cash -–never do this. Once paid, they will disappear. Be wary of a tradesman who takes you round the back to show you a fault or to explain the work to you – he could have an accomplice who will sneak into your home and steal.

The householder has protection from contracts signed on the doorstep  - the Consumer Protection(Cancellation of Contracts Concluded away from business premises) Regulations 1987 provide a seven day cooling – off period in which contracts involving payments over £35 can be cancelled. The trader must give you written notice of this right to cancel – not to do so is an offence and the contract cannot be enforced.

Remember – it is your home – no-one should ever enter it against your wishes.

The same rules apply when answering the telephone – NEVER give out your credit card number or bank details to strangers, even if they say they are from your bank.

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