Indoor Security, genuine Security devices, who’s at the door? part 2

Dealing with callers

Anyone who calls on you uninvited has no right to assume that you want to talk to them, let alone invite them into your house. Keep the back door locked at all times as well. Many tricksters work in pairs and one may keep you talking while the other slips round the back! Don’t feel guilty about leaving them on the doorstep while you check their identity. Genuine callers will not object to you taking sensible precautions.

Common confidence tricks include the bogus official who claims to be from the water, gas or electricity company, needing to gain admittance to your home; the doorstep salesman who may try to pressure you into buying expensive products, or persuade you to order some goods and pay a deposit with your order; the workman who claims that there are slates missing from your roof; even the social worker who wants to check on your child.

The official

Once you have checked the identity of the caller through the door viewer, secure the chain or limiter before opening the door. Then ask the caller for some identification and examine it carefully. Do not rely on the sight of an official-looking uniform. All officials should carry an identification card, so make sure they show it to you.

If you are still in doubt, ask the caller to wait outside and close the door while you telephone the relevant authority. If you are still not satisfied, trust your instincts and ask the caller to come back so that you can arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be with you. Phone the local police and let them know what has happened. They may know of tricksters operating in the area, and will certainly look into the matter if they feel your suspicions are justified.

Doorstep salesmen

Many unsolicited callers will be trying to sell goods or a service. People selling expensive home improvement products can make a great deal of commission on sales and may therefore be very keen to persuade you to part with your money, often offering what appear to be very attractive discounts or special terms.

The salesman may offer a large discount if you sign on the spot, or may try to pressure you by saying that prices are about to rise. No matter how persuasive the salesman is, do not be tempted to make a decision there and then. Ask for time to think about the offer. You will often find that the same discount is available if you phone back a few days later.

Also be wary of promises that you can always cancel the deal if you change your mind. You may have cancellation rights, but salesmen know that once they have a signed piece of paper, the chances are that you will go ahead with the purchase. Similarly, do not be swayed by the offer of a generous guarantee.

Do not give the doorstep salesman a deposit for orders placed or goods promised. It is always possible they will not come back with the goods.

The workman

It is easy to be taken in by workmen coming to your door and claiming that there are tiles missing from your roof, or that the guttering is leaking and needs replacing. These tricksters may try to panic you into having the work carried out immediately by telling you that serious damage could occur.

You could find yourself paying an extortionate fee for what may be an unnecessary job, or you may have to pay twice for a professional builder to rectify shoddy workmanship.

Do not accept their claims that work needs doing. If in doubt, get a second opinion from a reputable workman who is personally recommended or who belongs to an association such as the Federation of Master Builders or the Guild of Master Craftsmen. Always get two or three estimates before you agree to have any work carried out.

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