Pretending to be an official person from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak. They may be dressed smartly and say that they need to come in to check something or make urgent repairs 

Seeking help to leave a note for a neighbour or even asking for a drink of water if they claim to be thirsty or unwell 

Claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get into your home quickly 

Working in teams, with one person distracting you while the other searches your home 

Use your door viewer to see who’s there before opening the door 

If you open the door, put the chain on first. Keep this on until you have confirmed the caller is official 

Check to see if the caller is wearing a uniform that bears their organisation’s name or logo 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anyone at your door – genuine callers won’t mind 

Always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home 

Use the phone number advertised in the phone book or online, as the number on their identity card could be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the door while you do this 

If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there 

For pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up 

Ensure your back door is locked if you are answering the door to someone you don’t know 

Trust your instincts – your safety is the most important 

Do not invite the caller in, unless you’ve confirmed their identity with their organisation 

Call a neighbour, friend or family member for support if you need it 

Ring 999 if you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of the caller 

You can also call the police on 101 if you have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area