Bogus officials are scammers who may knock at your door and pretend to be from government agencies, utility companies, or other organisations, here are some important safety tips to help protect yourself:

1. Verify Their Identity

Ask for Identification: Legitimate officials should carry ID badges or official documents with clear identification, including the name of their agency and contact information.

Call the Organization Directly: Use contact information from the official website or your utility bill to call and verify if they are authorized to visit. Do not use the number they give you.

2. Do Not Let Them Inside

Keep the door closed and do not let them inside, even if they insist. Ask for their business or official card and tell them you'll need to verify their information first.

No urgent or emergency reason should force you to allow a stranger inside your home.

3. Question and Verify the Purpose of Their Visit

Ask specific questions about the reason for their visit and the company or agency they claim to represent. Scammers often can't provide consistent details.

Legitimate visitors will provide clear explanations and be happy to allow you time to verify their identity.

4. Never Share Personal Information

Do not share personal details such as your bank account, credit card numbers, or social security number.

Scammers may ask for payments or sensitive data claiming it’s for urgent repairs or fees – legitimate officials should never ask for this in person.

5. Watch for Red Flags

High pressure tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency or pressure you to make decisions on the spot.

Inconsistent details: They may provide vague or inconsistent answers when questioned about their purpose.

Unprofessional behaviour: Look for signs of unprofessionalism, such as poor uniforms, lack of ID, or not following typical procedures.

6. Ask for Written Notice or Appointment

Request written documentation about their visit. Government agencies or utility companies typically send a formal notice before visiting.

If they refuse or cannot provide a written notice, that’s a huge red flag.

7. Use a Peephole or Security Camera

Check who’s at your door before opening it. Install a peephole or a security camera so you can identify the person without opening the door.

8. Close the Door and Contact Authorities

If you feel uncomfortable or suspect a scam, close the door immediately and contact the police, Trading standard  or the company they claim to represent.

Reporting a scammer helps authorities track down fraudsters and protect others in your area.

9. Educate Your Neighbour's 

Let your neighbours know about suspicious visits. Scammers may target certain neighbourhoods, and community awareness can help everyone stay safe.

By being cautious, you can avoid falling victim to bogus officials or door-to-door scammers.  Trust your instincts - if something feels off, it’s better to be safe and take the time to verify the visitor's identity.