Cold callers and bogus officials

Most people who knock at your door are perfectly genuine, whether the postman, a delivery, or a neighbour. But just occasionally someone turns up uninvited with rather less honest intentions, whether a pushy trader, someone pretending to be an official, or a thief hoping to talk their way inside. The reassuring news is that a few simple habits will keep you safe and in control, and there is no need to feel anxious about answering your own front door. Here is what to watch for, and what to do.

Who might come to the door

Doorstep criminals can be very convincing, and they tend to take one of a few forms. Some pose as officials, claiming to be from the water board, the gas or electricity company, the council, or even the police, perhaps asking to come in to check something. Others are rogue traders who knock to say they have spotted a problem with your roof, drive or guttering that simply must be done right away. And some work in pairs, with one keeping you chatting at the front while the other slips in at the back. Older people living alone are targeted most often, but please remember that anyone can be caught out, and it is never the victim's fault.

A few simple habits at the door

The golden rule is a reassuring one: if in doubt, keep them out. You are never obliged to open your door, let alone let anyone in, no matter how friendly or official they may seem. A door chain or bar and a spyhole let you see and speak to a caller through a small gap, and it is worth locking your back door before you answer the front. Take your time, do not be hurried along by "today only" offers, and never feel awkward about saying "no thank you" and closing the door. It is your home, and your decision.

Checking who they really are

A genuine caller will always carry an identity card, and will be perfectly happy for you to check it. The safe way to do that is to ask them to wait outside while you ring the company yourself, using the number on your bill or in the phone book, and never a number the caller gives you, as that may simply ring an accomplice. A real official will not mind waiting, or coming back another day. It is also well worth setting up a password with your water and energy suppliers, so that anyone they genuinely send round will be able to quote it.

If someone wants money or your cards

Be very wary of anyone at your door asking for cash, your bank cards or your PIN, or offering to drive you to the bank or cashpoint. No honest official or tradesperson would ever do this. The real police and your bank will never come to your home and ask for your PIN or your cards, so if that ever happens, you can be quite sure it is a con.

Thinking of having work done?

If a job around the home really does need doing, the doorstep is not the place to arrange it. Never agree to work, or hand over money, on the spot, and do not pay in cash up front. Instead, take your time, get a few written quotes from reputable local firms, and only pay once the work is finished and you are happy with it. For most jobs agreed at home costing over £42, you have at least 14 days to change your mind and cancel, even if the work has already started, so do not let anyone pressure you out of that right. Trading Standards' Buy With Confidence scheme can help you find a trader who has been checked and approved.

Putting callers off in the first place

A "no cold callers" sticker in your window or on your door is a simple way to signal that you do not welcome uninvited sellers, and you can get one through your council or Trading Standards. If you would rather not answer the door to people you do not know at all, it is worth asking whether a Nominated Neighbour scheme runs in your area, where a trusted neighbour helps to check who is calling.

What to do if it happens

If a caller will not leave, or you ever feel threatened or frightened, call 999 straight away. The police would far rather come out to a false alarm than have someone fall victim. If you are not in immediate danger but want to report a suspicious caller, or something that has already happened, call the police on 101, and try to note down a description of the person and any vehicle, including its registration. To report a rogue trader or to get advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133, who will pass it on to Trading Standards, and you can report scams to Action Fraud. Please do not ever feel embarrassed, because reporting quickly gives the best chance of stopping these people targeting someone else.

Look out for one another

It is well worth having a quiet word about all this with older relatives, friends and neighbours, as a little shared awareness goes a long way. And if you know someone who lives alone and might welcome a friendly, regular phone call, our befriending service here at BrightLife is always glad to help them feel a little more connected, and a little more confident, too.

Where to get help, locally and nationally

Close to home, across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire:

• The police, on 999 in an emergency or if a caller will not leave, and on 101 to report a suspicious caller or an incident.
• Citizens Advice, for advice and support after a doorstep scam. For Bolsover and North East Derbyshire, call 0808 250 5702.
• Call Derbyshire, on 01629 533190, about a "no cold callers" sticker or local cold-calling zones.

Across the country:

• The Citizens Advice consumer service, on 0808 223 1133, to report a rogue trader to Trading Standards.
• Action Fraud, on 0300 123 2040, the national centre for reporting scams and fraud.
• Buy With Confidence, at buywithconfidence.gov.uk, to find a checked and approved local trader.