How to protect against doorstep scams
What is a doorstep scam?
A doorstep scam is when a person will come to your home and knock on your door with the intention of scamming you out of money or trying to gain access to your home. The pressure of the face to face interaction is often harder to resist and is more challenging than phone or online scams. It’s important to remember that a doorstep scammer won’t necessarily be pushy and persuasive, they may seem friendly and polite. Their aim is to trick you out of money. The scammers may smooth talk their way into your home or intimidate you but their aim is always the same. They may try to get you to buy something you don’t want or sign a contract or they might push their way inside in order to gain access to your home and steal. Knowing how to prevent them from gaining entry is key.
Are doorstep scams a big problem?
Recent research by Citizens Advice found that roughly 1 in 5 people have been targeted by a doorstep scam. With at least three-quarters of the UK population targeted by some form of scam. Research has also found that of those targeted by doorstep scams 85% are aged 65 and over.
Common types of doorstep scams to look out for:
- Fake Charity Collectors – a scammer might pretend they are collecting money for a charity and ask you to sign a contract to donate money. Always ask for a charity number as a legit charity will have one that can be checked on the Charity Commission website
- Survey – scammers may ask you to complete a survey of your personal details including your bank details
- Fake story – a person may come to your door asking for help, in need of use of a phone or say there is an emergency in order to gain access to your home.
- Fake officials – if a person comes to your door saying they are from the police or a service such as a utility company always check their ID.
If you are ever unsure of someone’s identity don’t let them in!
How to Protect yourself against doorstep scams
- Only let someone in if you are expecting them or they are a trusted family or friend
- Check credentials – a genuine official won’t mind
- Don’t share your PIN number or other bank details
- Have a home security system and/or CCTV to alert scammers that they are being watched and can be caught
- Call the Police
What do you if you fall victim to a doorstep scam?
First off don’t be embarrassed! It is not your fault and it can happen to anyone.
Secondly, it is important that you report the scam to Action Fraud so that the police can be on the watch and to prevent it from happening to others.
You may want to alert your neighbours or Neighbourhood Watch so other residents can be warned and wary.
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