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28 November 2008
NOT ALL burglars break into homes - some will try to trick or con their way in. They are known as bogus callers and will pretend to be on official business from respectable concerns such as the the gas, electricity and water supply companies - or the council.
They may claim to be tradesmen or workmen calling to carry out urgent repairs.
Bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don't be fooled. Make sure in your own mind that they are who they claim to be by following these simple steps:
• Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them.
• Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry an identification card with their photograph on.
Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent.
• Gas, electricity and water companies offer password identification schemes. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.
• If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person. Treat every stranger with caution. If you are still worried, dial 999 immediately and ask for the police.
IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT!
In an emergency always dial 999
For other help and advice call 0300 123 1212
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1. At 10:31 AM on 30 Nov 2008, Tasha Gayle wrote:
You should not dial the telephone number on the identity card what if the card is fake? Use the phone directory to get the correct telephone number or directory enquries. People who carry out these cons may have someone at the end of the phone pretenting to be from the gas/water/electric etc
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