Doorstep scams, what are they, and how can I prevent them?
At Home Instead Sutton, we put client safety first. Read on to find out about doorstep scams and how to avoid them.
In today’s world, scams are a growing concern for everyone. From online and phone scams to those that happen right at your doorstep, it’s vital to stay alert and cautious in everyday life. Our team at Home Instead Sutton is dedicated to providing not just care, but companionship, trust, and peace of mind. Because the most common victims of doorstep scams are people over 60, we’ve put together this short guide to help you and your loved ones stay informed and protected.
What is a doorstep scam?
Doorstep scams are when someone, often a stranger, comes to your door and tries to scam you out of your money or gain access to your home.
There are two main types:
Bogus callers: people who try to get into your home or get personal details from you by impersonating someone else. This can include council staff, charity collectors, gas meter readers and police officers. In reality, they are often criminals trying to steal money and valuables.
Rogue traders: people who cold call. They will often claim to be workers and offer a service, make repairs or carry out work on your property. In reality, they charge extortionate prices for poor work, or work that wasn’t even necessary.
Doorstep scammers can be difficult to spot. They may come across as polite, friendly, or even helpful, but that doesn’t mean you can trust them. That’s why having someone you trust to talk things through with, such as a family member, friend, or one of our Care Professionals, can make all the difference.
How do I keep myself safe?
Age UK recommend a four-step process to help keep yourself safe from doorstep scams. Stop, Lock, Chain and Check.
Stop: Before you open the door, it’s worth considering if you are expecting anyone. Genuine visitors will usually let you know in advance.
Lock: If you are not expecting anyone, take a moment to ensure all other doors are locked. Sometimes scammers will work together, and those at the door may be a diversion.
Chain: Put on the door chain before opening the door. If you have a peephole, check who is there.
Check: Ask to see an identity card and examine it carefully. If you’re still uncertain, call the company the person claims to represent. Use a phone number from an official source, such as a recent bill or your phone book. Don’t worry about making them wait; genuine representatives will understand.
Recently, one of our Care Professionals in Sutton found her client speaking with someone in a high-visibility vest who claimed he needed to “check the gas meter inside.” When she asked to see his ID, the man quickly walked away. Her client was relieved that she stepped in; her quick thinking turned what could have been a worrying encounter into a safe, reassuring one.
Other ways to keep yourself safe include:
- Don’t be afraid to say NO. It isn’t rude, it’s sensible. You don’t have to answer the door if you’re unsure.
- Avoid dealing with cold callers. Never buy goods or agree to work with someone who turns up uninvited. Use trusted and verified traders instead.
- Never hand over your bank cards, cash, jewellery or any other valuable items to anyone claiming to be from the police or your bank.
- Consider putting up an anti-cold-caller sticker. You can get these through your local council here. Our Care Professionals would be more than happy to help put it up for you!
Conclusion
Staying safe doesn’t have to mean shutting yourself away. With the right awareness and a little support, you can continue enjoying the independence of home life, knowing you have people who genuinely care looking out for you. At Home Instead Sutton, we’re always looking out for our clients’ well-being and can help them recognise and report anything that doesn’t feel right. Our mission is simple: to help older adults live safely, happily, and confidently in their own homes for as long as possible.
To learn more about keeping yourself or your loved ones safe from other forms of scams, check out our blog here.
