Bogus callers are people who come to your door claiming to be someone they're not.

Their aim is to trick you into giving them access to your property, with the intention of stealing from you.
Follow these steps to help protect yourself and your home:

Bogus caller leaflet Opens in a new windowKeep your front and back doors locked, even when at home.

Before you answer the door, stop and think if you are expecting anyone.
Check that you have locked any back doors and taken the key out.
Look through the spyhole or the window to see who it is.

If you open the door, put the door chain or bar on first.
Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.
Some bogus callers call on older and vulnerable people saying they need help urgently, asking, for example, to use the phone or toilet. Don't worry if you choose not to help - it is not rude or unfriendly.

Ask for and carefully check a caller's identity card, even if they have a prearranged appointment (all genuine callers will carry one).
If you're still in doubt, you can phone to check in three ways:

  • Look up the phone number in the phone book and check it against the card the caller has given you. Do not be tempted to just ring the number on the card as it may be a fake.
  • Phone directory enquiries. It will help to check whether the company is genuine.
  • Look at a recent bill to check the phone number.

Genuine callers won't mind waiting if you phone and confirm their identity or want to rearrange the appointment.


Useful people and organisations:

Local Crime Prevention Team
Your crime prevention team can give you more advice about home security. Contact them at your local police station.

Local Council
Community safety, housing or social services can give you advice or even provide home security.

Age UK (formerly Age Concern and Help the Aged)
Provides practical support and information to help older people live independent lives. To find your local Age UK or to request free information on home security ring the free information line on 0800 169 8787. Click here for the website. Opens in a new window

Neighbourhood Watch
Try to join (or set up) a Neighbourhood Watch, Home Watch scheme or residents' group. It's a good way of working together to make your community safer. For more information visit www.mynhw.co.uk

Victim Support
The independent national charity for people affected by crime. They give free and confidential information, support and practical help to victims and witnesses, and their family and friends. If you have been a victim of crime, call 0845 3030 900.

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