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Beware bogus callers

Northumbria Police

18 January 2011


Northumbria Police is reminding residents to be on their guard against bogus callers and con men.
Despite the fact the number of bogus caller offences has fallen year-on-year officers are asking people not to be complacent and are starting to deliver leaflets this week giving advice on how to avoid becoming a victim.
Although distraction offences fell from 90 between March to December 2009 compared to 71 in the same period of 2010, there have been a number of recent cases of con men targeting vulnerable people.
In December 2010 there were ten crimes where individuals offered to buy shopping for elderly victims - during the bad weather - and took the money but never returned with the goods or money.
In the same month there were two distraction offences directly related to clearing snow where the offender then sneaked into the house and five crimes where an individual came up with a story of needing money for a rail fare or similar excuse and obtained money that way.
Chief Superintendent Rachel Kearton said: "These people can often seem very believable and use all sorts of ways to trick their way into people's home and either con them out of money or steal from them.
"Unfortunately, these people prey on vulnerable people, such as the elderly, and we'd ask anyone who has elderly friends or relatives to warn them to be extra vigilant.
"We'd urge residents to be on their guard to anyone who turns up at their house unexpectedly, whether they're asking for help, offering assistance or claiming to be from the water board, utility company, local authority or even police. Genuine officials will always carry identification which you should always check.
"Most genuine callers will let you know they are coming beforehand and they won't mind waiting while you check their identification to confirm that they really are who they say they are.
"If in any doubt ask the caller to come back later so you can arrange to have someone with you when they return, any genuine caller will understand."
Police offer the following advice:
Be extremely cautious about anyone you don't know who arrives at your door unannounced. If they claim to be an official - check their identity and check the number on their card against the number in the directory, if necessary ring the organisation to check. While you check their identity or telephone for assistance on their behalf keep them waiting outside your locked door - genuine callers won't be offended if you do this. Don't invite any unannounced callers into your home even if they seem in need or are offering help. If necessary, ask the caller to come at a later date and arrange too have someone with you when they return.
Further advice is available on the Northumbria Police website - at www.northumbria.police.uk - which also features contact details for your local Neighbourhood Policing Team officers, who can also offer advice on how to avoid becoming the victim of bogus callers.