Protect yourself from doorstep crime. [#208261502]
Protect yourself from doorstep crime.
Follow our advice to reduce the risk of being scammed.
Always be aware of people who turn up unannounced. Most genuine callers will have a pre-arranged appointment.
Doorstep crime can include rogue traders offering home improvement or gardening services, or bogus callers who claim to be the council, police, health carers or energy companies.
Rogue traders may: say they are in the area and have spotted a problem with your home or garden; claim to have materials left over from another job, like paving or tarmac; try to pressurise you to buy goods or sign up for services on the spot; offer to drive you to a bank so you can withdraw money to pay them; provide false names, addresses or telephone numbers.
A pedlar is someone who calls at your door to sell items that they have on offer. This can often include cleaning or household goods. By law, they are required to carry a pedlar’s certificate, which is issued by the police force in the area where they live.
Bogus callers may: claim to be working for the council, water, gas or electric company (they could also say they are a nurse, doctor or from the police); say they need to come into your home, or try to get you to go outside; try to distract you so they can steal your money; be male, female, or even children.
Tips to keep you safe
- If you are not sure who is at the door, don’t open it.
- Check the identity of any caller. Confirm who they are by calling the company they work for using the number from the telephone directory or bill.
- Ask a neighbour to come around to check them before you open the door.
- Tell them to come back at a time when someone else will be home.
- Keep doors and windows locked and use the door chain every time you answer the door.
