boguscallers - Archive Only

Be on your guard against bogus callers

If we need to come to your property you will be contacted first. All Hounslow Homes staff and contractors who are employed to work on our behalf carry identity cards showing their name and photograph. We will never ask for payment on the spot for anything. ALWAYS ask for ID before allowing a anyone into your home.

With the exception of emergency situations, all visits are made by appointment only and therefore if you are in ANY doubt, do not let the person in until you are satisfied who they are. If you have a visit from a member of Hounslow Homes' staff and want to check their identity you can contact the Customer Service Centre on 0800 085 65 75. Ask them to wait outside until you have spoken to us.

Shut out bogus workmen this Christmas

Hounslow Homes in conjunction with the London Borough of Hounslow and Hounslow Police are warning older people to be on their guards for dodgy workmen, bogus officials and doorstep sellers in the lead up to Christmas.

Thieves know people may have large amounts of money at home to buy Christmas presents, or from their Winter Fuel Payment, and that is an attractive prospect for immoral and unscrupulous criminals. Also be vigilant of callers who come unannounced and claim to be offering services, like drive resurfacing or roofing, or say they are from a utility company, Hounslow Homes or Hounslow Council.

In December, Hounslow Police will be leading a huge high-visibility initiative to deter this type of criminal from operating, but while this will have some impact, older people must be vigilant too.

Common ruses used by bogus officials include dressing smartly or wearing what might look like an official uniform. They will claim that if they are not let in to check the water supply, the victim will be responsible for any damage. If posing as a meter reader, they will often claim they have the right to enter a property. Alternatively, offenders operate as bogus workmen, claiming that essential work needs doing. For example, they might say a leaking roof needs to be fixed.

Look out for the tricks of the trade!

1) KEEP YOUR DOOR CLOSED!

Do not open your door to cold callers and the best advice is if in doubt, keep them out. If you are at all suspicious of anyone, do not hesitate to call police via 999, or trading standards on 020 8583 5555 quoting “Doorsteppers”. If the caller says they are from Hounslow Homes, contact the Customer Service Centre on 0800 085 65 75 to check their identity.

If someone calls who you do not recognise, keep the door chain or door bar on. If you do have to open the door to speak with callers, make sure the door chain or door bar is put on first. Remember that you are under no obligation to speak with any cold callers. If you are not happy, you do not need to open your door.

2) ASK FOR IDENTIFICATION AND CHECK IT WITH THE COMPANY

Ask the individual for identification and contact the company they say they work for to make sure they are genuine. If they are genuine, they will not mind. Also, many utility companies will have a verified password scheme. If you have registered for this scheme and the caller cannot give the password, do not let them in.

3) THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A “WATER BOARD”!

These burglars will often say that they are from the "water board", "gas board" or "electricity board." A genuine caller would never use such terms because "boards" ceased to exist when those industries were privatised. The burglars use phrases like this because they think that elderly residents will be familiar with them. If genuine, they will be from one of the privatised companies (like Thames Water) and will have photo identification to prove it. There should be a number to call so that you can confirm the caller is genuine. Any legitimate caller or official will not mind waiting outside while you ring the number to check.

4) CALL POLICE OR TRADING STANDARDS

Call police via 999, or trading standards on 020 8583 5555 quoting “Doorsteppers” if you have concerns.

5) KEEP YOUR CASH IN THE BANK!

The safest place for your money is in the bank. It's best not to keep large amounts of cash at home.