Most callers at your door will be genuine people. However, it is important to be aware of bogus callers. 
  
Their aim is to get inside your home to steal from you or, in the case or rogue traders, overcharge you for work that they may do.

Here you will find the doorstep protocol recommended by Suffolk Constabulary and the Safe and Sound Group

Lock – Is your back door locked? Always check it is as soon as someone knocks at your door or rings your bell. Bogus callers often have an accomplice who may try to enter your home by the back door whilst you
are distracted.

Stop – Do not open the door until you have looked through a window or used a door viewer to see who is on your doorstep. Remember, you do not have to open your door to anyone, especially someone you are not expecting or do not know. If in doubt, keep them out by keeping your door shut. Consider calling a friend or relative, if you have a warden call or community alarm press your button and call them. If the caller looks suspicious in any way or you are frightened,
do not open the door and call 999.

Chain – If you feel that you need to speak to the caller, use a door-chain.
Do not open the door unless you put the chain on first so that you can see the person on your doorstep. Find out who they are and what they want. Close the door again while you do the following:

Check – Check their identity. If they say they are from a Water, Gas or Electricity company they will have photo I.D. If they cannot produce a bone fide I.D. card, send them away and close the door.

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What if a caller states it's an emergency?

Even if they say there is an emergency DO NOT LET THEM IN.

One of the common ruses used by Bogus Callers is to say that they are from one of the utility companies or “Boards” as they used to be known.

If a caller claims they are from the “Water Board”, “Gas Board” or “Electric Board” DO NOT LET THEM IN!  Those “Boards” do not exist anymore.

The Safe and Sound Group would like to dispel the belief utility company and council employees have some sort of right of entry to their home.

No utility company or council employee has any right of entry to your home without a warrant from a court. If there is any real emergency involving water, electricity or gas they will not knock on your door unless accompanied by police officer.


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Bogus Traders

Rogue builders or gardeners often trick people into paying very high prices for unnecessary or shoddy work. 

• Never agree to have work done by somebody who is just passing or take their word that it needs to be done at all.
• Never pay for work before it is completed. 
• Do not accept any offer from them to drive you to the bank to withdraw money. 
• If you think work needs to be done, quotes from other local companies and ask friends and relatives for a recommendation.

If you have a suspicious or bogus trader on your doorstep, contact Suffolk Police on 999.

If you, or a member of your family have had a recent experience of a Bogus Trader or someone using pressure sales tactics, contact Suffolk Trading Standards on 01473 584368

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