Practical Advice on how you can help yourself and also your relatives, friends and neighbours

• Remember to close and lock your back door before answering the front door
• Use a spy hole or window to have a look at the caller before answering the door. If you do not recognise them speak through the closed and locked door
• Do not buy goods and services from people calling at your door
• If the caller is selling something or offering work on your house or garden tell them that you are not interested and ask them to leave
• If they do not leave tell them you will call the police
• Call the police if they do not leave or you need assistance – dial 999
• Never let anyone into your home unless you have confirmed their identity – always ask for proof of identity. Take it from the person (through the letterbox) and read it carefully
• Phone the company or organisation the caller claims to be from (use the number in the phone book) to confirm their identity
• If you have any doubt – keep them out!
• Tell someone you trust about uninvited callers to your door
• Use a neighbour, relative or friend as a ‘Nominated Friend’ to redirect callers to someone who will deal with them on your behalf
• If you need work doing get quotes from reputable companies whose addresses can be confirmed
• Arrange appointments for people to call when you know you will have someone with you.

For further advice or to report any incidents please contact Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06 or Gwynedd Trading Standards 01286 682728