Before you go to the door
Bogus callers often work in pairs. One of them will try to keep you talking at the front door while the other tries to get in through the back door or a window.
Close and lock the back door and any accessible windows – before you go to the front door.
Take your time – don’t be forced to make a decision. It is your home and you can decide who comes in. Don’t let any caller try to pressure you into making a quick decision. Think carefully first and if you are unsure‚ do not open the door.
Safety and security at your door
Look through your spy hole or window
When someone knocks on your door or rings the bell‚ try to check who they are before opening the door. Think before you act – if you are concerned about what you see or hear‚ do not open the door.
Think – safety first
Sometimes bogus callers pose as someone needing help – perhaps a glass of water or access to a telephone. Put yourself first. Do not feel you are rude or uncaring by saying ‘no’ – your own safety is important.
Check the caller is who they say they are
Bogus callers will often say they represent an electricity‚ gas or water company or another organisation such as the council or a charity. Ask for the password you have set up with the company.
All electricity‚ gas and water companies offer a doorstep password scheme. Contact your companies and set up a unique password with each of them that you will remember. When a representative calls they will give you your unique password.
Your doorstep checklist
Is my door chain on?
When you first answer the door‚ keep your door chain on
While checking the caller’s identity‚ keep your door chain on
If you are unsure‚ keep your door chain on‚ tell the caller you will check their identity with their company and close the door.
Does the caller have an identification card?
If the caller does not have an identification card‚ keep the door chain on‚ ask the caller to go away and close the door. If the caller persists‚ dial 999 and ask for the police.
If the caller does have an identification card:
ask to see the card and check it carefully – keep your door chain on
close the door while you examine the card to see if it looks genuine
does the card have an expiry date and is it still valid?
does the photograph on the card match the person at the door?
check the photograph is the original – has anything been stuck over it?
You are in control‚ you make the decisions. Remember‚ it is your home and you decide whom you let in. If the answer to any of the above questions is no‚ or you are still unsure‚ do not open the door and do not let the caller in.
If you are unsure do not open the door
Keep the door closed and the caller outside
A genuine caller will not object to you leaving them on the doorstep and closing the door‚ even if it is raining.
Do not use the telephone number on the caller’s identification card. If the identification card is not genuine then the telephone number on the card will not be genuine either.
Find the company’s telephone number in your phone book or on a bill‚ or call directory enquiries
Telephone the company and ask them to confirm they have sent someone out to you.
The company will ask you for information about the identification card and what the caller looks like. The company may also ask for the date of birth or password of the caller.
If you need to‚ get more information from the caller with the door chain left on.
Dial 999 if the company does not know the caller
Ask for the police and tell them what has happened
Tell the police if the caller is still at your door
The police will tell you what to do.
Rogue traders
Do not agree to any cold caller doing any work for you
Some cold callers will offer to do roofing‚ building or driveway resurfacing.
Some cold callers will vastly overcharge for unnecessary‚ shoddy or non-existent work.
Never accept an offer to drive you to withdraw money
There have been instances where older people have been driven to their bank or building society‚ to withdraw money to pay the cold caller’s charges.
Do not accept an offer to be driven from anyone you do not know or do not trust
If you are pressurised to hand over money‚ keep your door closed‚ dial 999 and ask for the police
Need some work done?
If you think you may need to have work done on your house or driveway‚ ask for quotes from two or three reputable companies. Friends and relatives may be able to recommend companies or tradespeople they have been pleased with.
Your local Age Concern group may also be able to provide lists of companies and tradespeople to help you - details are below:
The Age Concern Information Line and website offer a wide range of information on issues affecting older people. Call free on 0800 00 99 66.
Source: Age Concern website 11.11.08
