Age needs one voice. Now it has:
Age Cymru is the new force combining Age Concern Cymru and
Help the Aged in Wales. Age Cymru is a member of the Age UK family.
Older people are less likely than any other age group to be victims of crime. But there is one one type of criminal that target older people: bogus callers.
Also known as distraction burglars, they trick their way into people’s homes to steal money and valuables while the householder’s attention is elsewhere. Most callers are genuine and mean you no harm but bogus callers can often seem very plausible and will try to fool you.
Follow our advice and keep yourself safe and secure at your door.
All electricity‚ gas and water companies have a doorstep password scheme.
If you haven’t already done so‚ set up a password with each of them, choosing passwords that are unique and that you will remember. When a representative calls they will give you this unique password to confirm they are legitimate.
Keep the passwords out of sight but where you can easily find – if you need to fetch it‚ close the door first. If you print out this page or the corresponding booklet, there is space to write down the contact numbers and passwords.
Use a door chain and‚ if you can‚ a spy hole. This makes it easier for you to identify who is at the door without fully opening it.
If you do not currently have a chain or spy hole, arrange to have them fitted.
Your local Age Cymru may be able to help you find a handyperson who can do this for you.
Do not keep large amounts of money in the house. It is safer in a bank or building society account. Do not leave money lying around where it is visible from outside or where it can be easily found.
Do not leave valuable items in view or where they can be easily found. Items of sentimental value‚ such as jewellery‚ may also be those that most appeal to burglars. It may be worth getting a small safe for your home.
Close and lock the back door and any accessible windows before you go to the front door.
Bogus callers often work in pairs. One of them will try to keep you talking at the front door while the other tries to get in through the back door or a window.
Try to check who a caller is before opening the door. Don’t let any caller pressure you into making a quick decision - if you are unsure‚ do not open the door.
Before you answer the door, put your door chain on and keep it on while you check the callers’ identity.
If you want to check with their company, keep the door chain on‚ tell the caller you are going to call their company and close the door.
A genuine caller will not object to you leaving them on the doorstep and closing the door while you confirm their identity‚ even if it is raining.
If the caller says they represent an electricity‚ gas or water company or another organisation such as the council or a charity, follow the checklist below to check that a caller is who they say they are.
Ask for the password If you have set one up with the company, use it.
Does the caller have an identification card?If the caller does not have an identification card‚ ask the caller to go away and close the door. If the caller persists‚ dial 999 and ask for the police.
If the caller does have an identification card, ask to see it:
If the company does not know the caller, dial 999 and ask for the Police, who will tell you what to do.
Put your safety firstSometimes bogus callers pose as someone needing help – perhaps a glass of water or access to a telephone. Put yourself first. Do not feel you are rude or uncaring by saying ‘no’ – your own safety is more important.
Remember‚ it is your homeIf you are unsure‚ do not open the door and do not let the caller in.
Some cold callers will offer to do roofing‚ building or driveway resurfacing. Some will vastly overcharge for unnecessary‚ shoddy or non-existent work.
Do not agree to any cold caller doing any work for you.
There have been instances where older people have been driven to their bank or building society to withdraw money to pay the cold caller’s charges.
Do not accept an offer to be driven from anyone you do not know or do not trust. If you are pressurised to hand over money‚ keep your door closed‚ dial 999 and ask for the police.
If you think you may need to have work done on your house or driveway‚ ask for quotes from two or three reputable companies. Friends and relatives may be able to recommend companies or tradespeople they have been pleased with.
Your local Age Cymru may also be able to provide lists of companies and tradespeople to help you.
If you print out this page, write the contact details and passwords for your electricity‚ gas and water companies below.
My water supplier:
Contact number:
Doorstep password:
My gas supplier: Contact number:
My electricity supplier:
Set your location to see what Age Cymru offers in your local area.
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