Slough Borough Council

Bogus callers

Bogus callers are also known as distraction burglars and these are people who call at your door to trick their way into your home and steal your belongings.

They sometimes work in pairs, so one person may keep you talking at the front door while another tries to get in the back door. Make sure your back door is always locked. Bogus callers aren’t always male, so don’t be fooled by a smartly dressed woman. They may claim to be utility workers or from the council. Current research shows that older people are their main targets.

The things they could say to try and get in your house include:

• I need to check the pipes/water/turn the water off - I'm laying pipes up the road
• The water is unfit for drinking
• I need to check for damp
• I've lost my football/kite/puppy/rabbit
• I'm interested in buying books or antiques
• You have won a prize in a raffle - can I measure up for the prizes/write down your details?

Be cautious

When a stranger rings your bell, be cautious. Don't let anybody in unless you are expecting them. Representatives of the water, gas and electric companies rarely make house calls without appointments.

There are some simple precautions you can take to help ensure you don't become a victim:

• talk to people through the door, rather than opening it when they knock
• ask who they are before opening the door, then keep the door on the chain until you've seen their identification 
• make sure your back door is closed and locked before answering your front door
• think about whether you are expecting anyone and before opening the door check through the spy-hole or window to see who it is.
• when you are looking for a reliable trader, talk to family and friends for a recommendation.

Ask for identification

If anybody comes to your door for legitimate purposes, they will have an I.D. card from the organisation they represent. Before you even speak to them, ask to see it, and keep the door on the chain while you look it over.
If you need glasses in order to read the card, close and lock the door before going to get them. Never leave the door open and unattended.

Lock, Stop, Chain, Check

The Government's ‘Lock, Stop, Chain, Check’ campaign provides more security information for dealing with bogus callers. To learn more you can contact you local Age Concern centre.

On the telephone

Don’t give any information about yourself over the phone to someone you don’t know including if you are alone in the house. When you pick up the phone simply say "hello" and don’t offer your phone number. If a caller claims to have dialled a wrong number ask them to repeat the number they dialled.

If you receive an abusive or threatening phone call, don’t reply. Put the phone down and call the police. If the calls continue, contact your telephone company to find out how they can stop nuisance phone calls.

Slough Trading Standards enforce the law relating to cold calling and are able to help if you require free advice.

Call the team on 01753 875255 or email TradingStandards@slough.gov.uk