HomeBogus callers
Most people who call at your home are genuine.
Sometimes however, so-called ‘bogus callers’ can turn up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into your home. Their aim is to distract you, often as a way of stealing money or valuables, and they are likely to strike when you are busy or may be caught off guard.
Land and Property Services (LPS), the agency responsible for collecting rates, has also urged householders to be on their guard against bogus callers. This follows a recent incident in which a caller, claiming to be a council tax official, tried to obtain credit card details from a resident after telling them they were due a council tax rebate.
The LPS has advised householders to ask for, and to examine, the ID of any persons calling at their door or ringing them on behalf of LPS. You can also call 101 to confirm whether a person is genuine.
Identifying a bogus caller
You should always be aware when someone you don’t know calls at your door.Bogus callers may be young or old, male or female and may claim to represent an organisation such as the council, Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) or Northern Ireland Water. Some may pretend to be looking for directions, selling items or cleaning windows.
They may also use ‘props’ such as a fake identity card or a company uniform and can be very persuasive and convincing.
Protecting yourself
If you receive an unexpected visitor make sure you:- ask who it is before opening the door.
- make sure your back door is locked before answering your front door. Thieves have been known to work in pairs, with one entering through the back while the other distracts the homeowner at the front door.
- keep a security bar or chain on your door while speaking to the caller.
- ask for identification before letting someone in - a proper ID should contain a photo of the person carrying it and, if in doubt, you should call the company in question and ask if the caller is legitimate.
- plan ahead - are you expecting anyone? Has someone made an appointment to see you?
Most large companies will notify you in advance if they plan to pay you a visit and they will be happy to wait while you check their identification. - trust your instincts - a genuine official can always make an appointment to see you at a later date or when someone is with you.
Quick Check
You can also call Quick Check on 0800 013 2290. A trained operator will contact the organisation that the caller claims to be representing to check if they are genuine. More information is available from the PSNI websiteHome security
There are lots of things you can do to keep your home safe from bogus callers.- Fit a door bar or chain
- Keep your front and back door locked at all times
- Don't accept goods or repairs from callers you don’t know
- Don't keep large amounts of money in your home
- Some large firms, such as NI Water and Phoenix Gas, now use a password scheme for home visits. Ask for details of these if you are expecting a visit from company officials
- Look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours
- Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or residents’ group. Email communitysafety@belfastcity.gov.uk to find a Neighbourhood Watch scheme near you.
If you receive a visit from a bogus caller
Receiving a visit from a bogus caller can be upsetting. However, it's important that you report the incident to prevent it happening again.Call the police and tell them what has happened, making sure to describe the caller as best you can.
You should also tell your neighbours, community groups and local Neighbourhood Watch scheme, in case the caller decides to try other homes in your area.
You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you prefer to speak to someone anonymously.
