Richmond Council has teamed up with Richmond Age UK and the Richmond Safer Neighbourhood team to provide free doorstop security packs containing invaluable advice and free services to prevent elderly residents from becoming victims of bogus callers and trades people.
The doorstop packs contain anti-cold caller door stickers and details of how residents can have security chains, letter-box visors, door mirrors and spy holes fitted free of charge.
· Rogue Traders: A cold-caller may offer you a service you don't really need. They may try to push you into agreeing unnecessary home repairs or improvements, often at extortionate prices. Don't agree to sign a contract or hand over any money until you have spoken to someone you trust. Never disclose your pin number. Don't be afraid to ask a salesperson to leave.
· Bogus officials: A common trick is when someone pretends to be from your electricity or gas company as a way to get into your home and steal from you. Ask for their identity card and check it carefully. Keep the numbers for your utilities services handy so you can easily call and check an official's identity. Join your utilities companies' password schemes.
· Fake consumer surveys: Some scammers ask you to complete a survey so they can get hold of your personal details, or use it as a cover for persuading you to buy something you don't want or need. Ask for an identify card and check it carefully.
· Hard luck stories: Someone with a hard luck story may come to your door and ask you to help them out with cash. The story they tell you is made up and intended to con you out of a lot of money. Never feel pressured into giving money to someone you don't know. Call the police if you think you're being scammed.