Doorstep Scams

There was a quite a healthy discussion going on in a local Next Door Neighbourhood forum regarding the behaviour of two strangers out and about in the Balmoral Park area of Chester. In short, there seemed to be some concern as to why they were there in the first place. And why they were knocking on doors. Such behaviour got our own super sleuth – John from Blacon – on the case. As quick as you could say, “Hello, Hello, Hello!!”, John sent me a great article on doorstep scams.

Doorstep Scams

Without further ado, John’s article is below. Thanks again John, another invaluable safety article to add to our “Chester Crimewatch” category.

Doorstep Scams – Be Aware

Doorstep scammers commonly target older people. We’ll show you how to protect yourself and stay safe on your doorstep. What is a doorstep scam?

Doorstep scams take place when someone comes to your door and tries to scam you out of your money or tries to gain access to your home. Doorstep scammers aren’t always pushy and persuasive, they may seem polite or friendly.

So if you’re not expecting someone it’s important to be vigilant when you answer the door, especially if you live on your own. It can be very easy to fall victim to a scam, but you can be scam savvy if you know what to look out for.

What are some common types of doorstep scams? There are many different types of doorstep scams, some of the most common ones include:

Doorstep Scams – Rogue Traders:

A cold-caller may offer you a service you don’t really need. They may claim to have noticed something about your property that needs work or improvement, such as the roof, and offer to fix it for cash or an inflated price.

Bogus officials:

People claim to be from your utility company as a way of gaining access to your home. Always check the ID of any official, and if they’re genuine they won’t mind waiting while you check.

Fake Charity Collections:

A fraudster may pretend they’re from a charity and ask you to donate money, clothes or household goods. Legitimate charities will all have a charity number that can be checked on the Charity Commission website.

Made-up Consumer Surveys:

Some doorstep scams ask you to complete a survey so they can get hold of your personal details, or use it as a cover for persuading you to buy something you don’t want or need.

Hard Luck Stories:

Someone may come to your door and ask you to help them out with cash, ask to use your telephone or claim they’re feeling unwell. The story is made up and intended to con you out of your money or gain access to your home.

Doorstep Scams – What You Can Do

How can I protect myself from doorstep scams?

There are things you can do to feel safer when answering the door, such as:

Putting up a deterrent sign. You could put a ‘no cold callers’ sign up on your door or window, which should deter any cold callers from knocking on your door.

Setting up passwords for utilities. You can set up a password with your utility companies to be used by anyone they send round to your home. Phone your utility company to find out how to do this.

Nominating a neighbour. Find out if you have a nominated neighbour scheme where a neighbour can help to make sure if callers are safe. Contact your local Neighbourhood Watch or your local Safer Neighbourhood police team to find out more. https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/

How to avoid being scammed on your doorstep ~ watch this Age UK video below:

Remember S.C.A.M.S

Stop

Check

Ask

Mine

Share

Watch veteran broadcaster Sir Martyn Lewis talk you through how to avoid being scammed on your doorstep. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IyOymAhEJs

If someone does come to the door, it’s important to remember the following:

Only let someone in if you’re expecting them or they’re a trusted friend, family member or professional.

No need to feel embarrassed about turning someone away.

Don’t feel pressured.

Don’t agree to sign a contract or hand over money at the door. Think about it and talk to someone you trust.

Check their credentials. You should always check someone’s credentials – a genuine person won’t mind. You can phone the company they represent or check online, but never used contact details they give you.

Don’t share your PIN. Never disclose your PIN number or let anyone persuade you to hand over your bank card or withdraw cash.

Call the police. Call the police non-emergency number 101 if you’re not in immediate.

Take the time to think about any offer, even if it’s genuine.

Don’t be embarrassed to say ‘No’ to people or ask them to leave.

Below is a link that contains additional points of interest, should anyone wish to seek further information. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/doorstep-scams/

There you have it. Doorstep scams. What they are, how to spot them and what to do. As ever, spread the word. You may be savvy enough not to get conned, but others may not be. Stay alert to these doorstep scams folks and be switched on to any other scams.

Chester Crimewatch

This doorstep scams article is the latest in a series of very useful and helpful Chester Crimewatch alerts. All kindly and carefully put together by regular reader, John in Blacon. For all the other articles provided, have a look HERE and take note. Be safe.

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