Home Security Advice

Protect against Bogus Callers and Rogue Traders

Bogus callers are a real problem across the country. They are conmen (or women) who often pose as an official caller from a local authority, a health authority or a gas, electricity or water company. They use a variety of stories and plausible explanations to gain access to a person's home in order to steal.

Rogue Traders are people who pretend to be builders needing to do "urgent" repairs or sales people offering bargain products. They often pressurise householders to pay in advance for materials or do poor work at highly inflated prices.

A common factor is that both Bogus Callers and Rogue Traders prey on vulnerable older or disabled people.

The following information may help in protecting you from Bogus Callers and Rogue Traders:

Have a security chain fitted to your door and use it!
Before you open your door to callers consider whether you are expecting anyone? Do they have an appointment? Do you know the caller? If the answer is to any of these is no then don't let them in and keep your chain on. Genuine callers won't be offended.
Ask for proof of identity and check it carefully but leave the door chain on.
Ring their office to confirm the callers identity.
Always use the number from the telephone book.
If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.
If in doubt KEEP THEM OUT.
Beware of builders saying they need to do 'urgent' repairs or 'sales people' offering bargain products. Don't be pressurised by them to pay in advance and don't accept any offer from them to take you to the bank to withdraw money. Any reputable builder or sales person will be prepared to issue with an invoice and for payment to be made at a later date.
Always use traders or service providers who you know or who have been recommended by someone or some organisation you trust.

Remember you are less likely to become a victim of crime if you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch. Contact the National Neighbourhood Watch Association website to find out about the schemes in your area.