Police remind the vulnerable to beware of bogus and cold callers

Following reports of a spate of recent cold calling events in Pembrokeshire, Dyfed-Powys Police are reminding homeowners and relatives of vulnerable people to be vigilant to the risks of cold callers.

Bogus callers prey on the most vulnerable people in our communities attempting to con them out of vast amounts of money for unnecessary and overpriced work. Sometimes they pretend to be from reputable companies and sometimes they resort to distraction tactics.

Cold callers will phone or knock your door unannounced and try to sell you a product or service. Many are genuine but some can be scams.

Sergeant Geraint Lewis, of Dyfed Powys Police, said: “Unfortunately not everyone who knocks unannounced at your door has a genuine reason for being there. Bogus callers are criminals and we encourage residents to beware and know what to do if they do receive a visit from a bogus caller with making sure you ask for ID a priority, along with fitting and using a door chain. If in doubt, keep them out.”

Police in Pembrokeshire are warning homeowners and relatives of elderly and vulnerable people to be aware that bogus and cold callers are out there and to advise of some simple steps people can take to protect themselves:

• Consider fitting a chain on the door – and always use it. Remember to keep the door chain on until you are sure your caller is genuine.
• Do not let anyone into your home that you do not know or until you are completely satisfied that they are who they say they are.
• Make sure the caller is genuine. Ask to see identification. If in doubt, telephone the company the caller says they work for. Don’t use a number on their card but look it up in the phone book.
• Don’t let the caller stop you doing these things by saying he or she is in a hurry. A genuine caller won’t mind waiting outside with the door closed while you ring.
• If you are blind, partially sighted, or have difficulty moving about, you can arrange to have your meters read at an agreed time by a named person. When they call, the meter reader will give their name or an agreed password. If you are worried ring the police.
• Ask a neighbour or friend to visit while the caller is there
• Never leave a key hidden outside the home (e.g. under a doormat
• If you are selling your home, don’t show people around on your own. Ask your estate agent to send a representative with anyone who wants to view your house.

Call 101 to report a suspected bogus caller or rogue trader. Call 999 if they become aggressive or to report a distraction burglary.

For more advice on protecting yourself and your home from bogus callers visit www.dyfed-powys.police.uk or call 101.