Top tips to protect against bogus callers
The Consumer Council for Water has released a number of tips to help people protect themselves against bogus callers and distraction burglars.
The crimes involve conmen trying to trick their way into homes, often by claiming to be from a utility company such as the ‘water board’.
According to the council around 30 bogus caller crimes take place in England and Wales every day.
It has a dedicated section on its website, including a number of top tips, to help prevent people from being duped by these bogus officials.
Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “Anyone can go to our website; choose their utility suppliers, and print off a list of contact phone numbers along with our list of top tips to keep near the telephone.
"Those who would feel safer with more protection against bogus callers are encouraged to register a password beforehand with their water or energy company. This is then quoted by the caller as proof that they are from that organisation.”
Other tips include keeping a chain on the front door, asking for identification and calling the organisation the visitor claims to be from and refusing entry if not satisfied.
