Some criminals impersonate others to carry out crimes. These bogus callers can be quite convincing and will try and talk their way into your home. 

If you believe you have been visited by a bogus caller you should call the Police non-emergency number 101 to report the incident. 

There are a number of steps you can take to prevent being duped by a bogus caller. 

  • Check to see who is at your door by looking through your front window or by using a door viewer if you have one. 

  • Only open the door when you have put the chain or door bar restrictor on. Remember that emergency situations can arise, so do not leave the chain or door bar restrictor on all of the time as this may cause a delay if access was needed in an emergency. Only put these on before answering the door. 

  • Always make sure that visitors are who they say they are. All our employees, officers from the Police, gas, electricity and water companies wear identification badges – ask to see this before you let them in. 

  • If you are in any doubt, suggest that the caller should come back later. You can then check their story by phoning the organisation or company they claim to represent. 

  • Check any phone number they give you in your own phone directory. Do not rely on the number on their card. 

  • Always lock the back door before opening the front door. 

  • Our Care Link service offers a bogus caller button, which provides reassurance in the event of an unexpected caller. This discreet button can be used to call for assistance or to provide verbal prompts from a member of our customer contact centre. If the button is pressed, an alarm can also be raised silently, allowing us to discreetly listen to what is happening and intervene if necessary. For more details on Care Link services, visit the Care Link website. 

Let the Police and your neighbours know if you have had a suspicious caller at your door.