Don't Let in Bogus Callers

"Gas Board" officials trying to gain entry to houses

People are posing as Gas Board officials in an attempt to enter houses.

You may need to check the identity card of a person from a utility company or a council or charity worker or some other company representative, below are some of the things you can do.   If the caller doesn’t have an identity card, or won’t let you have it to examine then tell the caller to go.  If the caller has already told you that they represent a utility company think about calling the police on 999, because if they were genuine they would have handed over their identity card.

• Examine the identity card to see if it looks and feels genuine
• If there is an expiry date, has the date expired?
• Does the photograph match the caller’s face; has the photo been stuck over another? (you may have to take it out of a plastic wallet to check this)
• Does the telephone number match the ones you’ve recorded for the company?  (You could also check the phone book, a bill or call directory enquiries)  It’s a good idea to have a list of your utility companies and their phone numbers right by the phone.
• If the telephone number doesn’t match, or you are unsure about ANY aspect ring the company and ask them if they have sent someone out to you
• If the company does not know the caller, call the police either on 101 or 999.
• Keep the chain on and the door closed and locked whilst you are carrying out these checks
• Having the phone number of a close neighbour to hand would be really useful. 

April 22, 2014