Bogus Callers in the Witterings
Bogus callers seek out the elderly and vulnerable, often convincing them that an unnecessary job such as guttering or the resurfacing of a driveway needs doing or selling items of jewellery, ornaments or antiques a the door will benefit the home owner. They then pressure and intimidate the home owner to extract large sums of money.
Bogus callers are likely to engage in any of the following behaviour:
- A lack of any written quotation/contract
- A lack of business name details on invoices
- Unfair contract terms
- Lack of cancellation rights
- Misleading description (including misrepresentations as to work needed/carried out; price; false accreditation/trade association claims).
- Aggressive trading practices (e.g. escorting victims to banks/cash points in order to secure payment).
- In extreme cases, fraud by false representation.
- Often talking their way into your home
The most recent example of this within the Chichester District is explained below:
A male approached a home, stating that he was working on a neighbouring house and that their water leak may have affected the home owner’s property. He was posing as a workman and asked the home owner to check their property whilst he was there. He encouraged the home owner to check upstairs as well as downstairs and followed throughout. There were no issues with the house, and the “workman” left.
A little while later, the home owner received a call from the Bank, stating that somebody had been arrested for using the home owner’s bank card. The “Bank” then asked to check personal details and PIN number which was passed over the phone. At this point the home owner realised that a handbag was missing.
Fortunately, no money was withdrawn from the account. Police are still investigating this incident.
Protect yourself from the Bogus Caller, remember:
- No bank will ever ask for your personal details or PIN numbers over the phone
- Always check ID properly – check their number matches the phone book
- If you suspect something isn’t right, call us on 101 and let us know
- Lock your back door when answering your front door, and always use a chain
- Protect your neighbours – if you have a vulnerable neighbour or friend, ensure that they know what to do
- Protect your family – ensure that your elderly or vulnerable relatives do not become a victim. Help them to secure their property. Fit door chains to prevent people talking their way in, block unknown numbers from phoning their homes.
Please spread the word and protect yourself and those around you from becoming a victim.
