Don't be a victim of bogus callers

Bogus callers can turn up as builders or gardeners and try and trick you into paying for unnecessary work. You should never agree to have work done by someone who is just passing, or take their word that work needs to be done at all.

Do not be pressured into paying them before they complete the work, do not accept an offer to drive you to the bank to withdraw money. If you think work needs to be done, get quotes from companies and also speak with a friend or relative for a recommendation.

Some bogus callers work in pairs or even teams, they are often well organised, one will distract you while the other searches the house, if you think a bogus caller has called at your door report it to the police immediately – dial 999 and tell them what has happened. Try and tell a neighbour or a neighbourhood watch in the area just in case they target other homes.

Some Bogus callers will call on older and vulnerable people saying they need urgent help, they may ask you outside the house or ask to come in and make a phone call only go to help them if you have someone with you.

If someone calls at your doors and offers to do repairs to your home or asks to come in so they can show you products they are selling:

LOCK – keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home.

STOP – before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone, check you have locked any backdoor, look through the spyhole or the window to see who it is.

CHAIN – if you decide to open the door, put the chair or bar on first. Keep the bar or chain on while you are taking to the person on the doorstep.

CHECK – check their details before you let them into your home, do not agree to work being done or sign a contract until after you have talked to someone else.

Ask the caller to make an appointment, this will give you time to check out if they are who they say they are.

Never invite people straight into your home and do not be afraid to ask for identification. Take the identification, close the door, leave the caller outside whilst you telephone to check the identity. Any genuine caller will be happy to wait.

Do not ring the telephone number printed on the identity card, sometimes cards can be faked and so will the number. Ring directory enquiries to obtain the number.

Always make sure you close the door.

Never sign a blank or partly filled in form especially if you are giving bank details.