Police Scotland: From bogus callers to rogue traders, doorstep criminals...
From bogus callers to rogue traders, doorstep criminals are cunning, creative, and convincing.
Anyone can be fooled as these people are professional con artists. The over 60s are targeted the most. Bogus callers try to get into your home or get personal details by pretending to be someone they’re not.
This can include council staff, charity collectors, meter readers and police officers. In reality, they are criminals trying to steal money and valuables.
Rogue traders usually cold-call. They claim to be workers offering services, make repairs or carry out work on your property. In reality they charge inflated prices for shoddy or work that isn't needed.
Here are some tips to follow to protect yourself.
- Be on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly
- Keep front and back doors locked
- Use the door viewer or nearby window when answering the door
- Fit a door chain or bar – use it and keep it on when talking to callers at the door
- If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door
- Don’t feel embarrassed - genuine callers expect you to be careful
- Only let callers in if they have an appointment - confirm they are genuine
- Always ask for identification badges, but don’t rely on them
- Identity cards can be faked – phone the company to verify their identity
- Some companies offer a password system - ask if this can be used
- If you have a password with a company make sure the caller uses it
- Never let people persuade you to let them into your home – they may not be genuine.
- If someone is persistent, ask them to call at another time and get a friend or family member to be with you
- Never agree to pay for goods or give money to strangers who arrive at your door
- Don’t keep large amounts of money in your home
- Remember, it’s your home, there’s no reason why anyone should ever enter your home against your wishes
- If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door.
