| Identifying Basildon Council staff and contractors |
Basildon Council staff and contractors will rarely if ever call at your door without first arranging to do so. Usually you will only receive a visit from a Council officer or contractor:
- if you have phoned and arranged for a visit or repair to be carried out.
- if you have received a letter notifying you that you will receive a visit .
If Council staff or their appointed contractors should happen to call at your door, for whatever reason, they should always be carrying a valid Identification Card which will include a photograph of the caller.
You should always examine the Identification Card. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the quality and look of the ID Card appear genuine
- Does the photograph look genuine and match the appearance of the caller.
- Does the information printed on the ID Card match the caller's claim to be a Basildon Council officer or contractor.
If a someone claiming to be a Council officer or contractor arrives on your doorstep and you have any doubts about their identity then DO NOT LET THEM IN!
If you want to confirm the identity of a Council Officer or contractor before letting them into your home you can do so by phoning one of the following numbers:
- For Housing Repairs contractors call the Housing Repairs Centre: 01268 465000
- For Council Tax & Benefits Officers call: 01268 294563
- For any of the above or other callers claiming to call on behalf of Basildon Council call us on 01268 533333 and ask to be put through to the relevant service department.
Don't worry about keeping callers waiting - genuine callers will always understand.
| How to beat the bogus caller |
The following paragraphs, printed here by courtesy of the Home Office from their leaflet 'How to beat the bogus caller', offers sound advice:
"Most people who call at your home will be genuine. But sometimes, people turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into people’s homes.They are known as ‘distraction burglars’ or ‘bogus callers’, whose only aim is to get into homes to distract people and steal their money or valuables.You should always be aware when someone you don’t know calls at your door..........
"Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, the police, health organisations or gas, water or electricity companies.They can be convincing and persuasive.
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They use ‘props’ like an identity card or wear overalls with a company logo. If you are expecting the caller, remember to check their identification very carefully against the letter you have been sent or the password you have agreed before you let them in. And, if you are in any doubt, don’t let them in"
You can visit the Home Office Crime Reduction website  for further advice on how to beat the bogus caller and to download a copy of thier leaflet 'How to beat the bogus caller'  free of charge. |
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