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Bogus Callers If someone calls at your door Check to see who it is using the spy hole if you have one, or look through a font windowAlways put the chain or limiter on before you open the doorLook at their clothing. Some official callers will have a uniform bearing their organisation's name or logoIf you don't know the caller, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully and keep the chain on while you do this. Genuine callers will normally make an appointment first and will carry identification with their photograph on. They won't mind if you close the door while you check.If you're still not sure, ask the caller to come back later. You can then check their story by phoning the organisation or company they claim to represent. Look up the number in your own telephone directory or via your own search on the internet. Don't rely on the telephone number on their card - it may be the number of a bogus caller's partner.Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs. Beware of one distracting you while the other steals your property. The best practice is not to let them in.Watch out for anyone who says they're in a hurry. Don't let them pressure you. If in doubt, call a neighbour or a friend or in an emergency call 999.Never leave a lot of money in the house. It's much safer in a building society, bank or post office.If you need any building work done, get several written quotes from reputable firms, then decide which one is best. If in doubt, talk it through with a neighbour or someone in your family.For more help and advice, visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards | 
