Bogus callers seem to be making a fortune at conning the elderly and unsupecting members of the public. They find this easy to do as many people take no heed to advice given. How often do they give in to the door to door salesman, or the tradesman who just happened to spot something wrong with your roof while he was passing? What about the man who just happens to have a lorry load of tar left from a job he was doing down the road ? Ideal for your driveway !!!. Don't be conned by these people. They are experts with plenty of practice at persuading people to part with money. Even allowing a stranger into the house is risky. If you did not request the services of a tradesman to fix something, then be on your guard.

Here are some tips on spotting bogus callers.

If they say they are from the local Council, water board or other public body ask for proper identification. Do not accept their word, or a piece of paper. Look for a car or van bearing the proper departments logo. If they try to bamboozle you with technical jargon, or things you don`t understand, then be on your guard. An honest person will take time to explain things in detail in a language you'll understand. If they ask for money in advance, or prior to completion of that job, or ask to be paid in cash at the end of that day, don`t do it. A reputable company will have a business address and will send you a bill later detailing the job done. If they are proper tradesmen or salesmen, they will have some identification or headed paper giving their VAT number. Handwritten receipts and bills are suspect.

Here are some tips on dealing with callers.

Answer the door to callers. Do not open it, but ask who is there. If you don`t answer they may believe there is no one in and your home could become a target to thieves. Consider some Home Security Advice. If you have one, then use a door viewer or door security chain. If you don't recognise the caller ask who they are and what they want. If they are from a company or official body, ask to see some form of identification. Keep them outside the door at all times while you inspect the identification. Note any name, company or telephone number and contact that company and ask if someone should be calling. If they confirm that someone should be calling arrange a suitable time with them for their client to return. If you are elderly or live alone, arrange for a friend or other person to be present when the caller is due to return. Even if they tell you there is an emergency at a neighbours house, or further down the road, DO NOT let them into the house. If the situation requires the emergency services YOU can make the 999 call, without letting the caller in to the house. If they state the emergency requires you to turn off water, electicity or take action which requires you to do one thing while the caller does another, then don`t automatically believe them. When in doubt call the police.

Heed the advice we offer children about strangers and it will remind you of caution. If you area elderly then take some advice form our OAP safety pages. If a person is calling at more than one door or contact several people in your area ther may be a Community Safety issue to be tackled.