As Lauren Goodger feared she’d been scammed on her doorstep, here’s how to make sure you never fall victim to a conman
Luckily the star's case was legitimate, but it can still be hard to work out when to part with your cash
YOU might think you'd never fall foul of a conman knocking on your door and demanding cash, but in the heat of the moment it can be hard to stand your ground.
Just ask former TOWIE star Lauren Goodger, who was terrified she'd been tricked out of money for a TV license earlier this week
Luckily she hadn't been duped, but not everyone's so lucky. So what can you do to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to you?
Be aware of scams
Lauren's conman probably chose his ruse so it timed in with a change to the TV license rules. As of this week, you need to pay the £145.50 fee even if all you use is iPlayer.
That's been in the news a lot, but if you haven't read the stories properly you might only have an inkling which could leave you presuming what you're being told is correct.
It's important you're always informed on new rules and regulations relating to bills.
Doorstep crime also includes:
- Bogus callers, who will try to get money or personal details from you by pretending to be an official from an organisation like the council or gas company. They may even ask to come into your home, where they will try to steal from you.
- Rogue traders, who will turn up unannounced and try to convince you someone desperately needs doing to your home. They may ask you for cash upfront, or try to say they are the only ones who are able to fix the 'issue'.
- Aggressive sellers will try to badger you into buying something.
- Distraction burglars will aim to keep you talking while another of their gang accesses your home and steals from you.
How to spot a conman
It's very rare for a company to send someone to your house unannounced. If you aren't expecting the professional, always ask for ID from their company before you enter into any discussion.
- Rogue traders will often try to convince you the problem is urgent
- They will ask for payment straight away
- Even if you don't have money on you, they'll try to convince you to go to the bank
- Other tricks include asking to use your phone, or sending a child to ask for a ball which has been kicked into your garden
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How to protect yourself
The main thing to remember is that you are perfectly within your rights to ask questions before agreeing to anything.
If the caller is legitimate they'll have no problem answering you or proving where they work.
Other ways to make sure you aren't tricked include:
- Keep your doors locked and use the chain when opening to anyone unexpected
- Always ask for ID, then phone the company to check - the cards are easy to fake
- Find phone numbers yourself, don't rely on what you're given
- Don't let anyone in your home unless they have arranged the visit
- Do not part with any cash on the spot
- Try not to have money lying around your house
- Ask about your cancellation rights if you're discussing a service
- Speak to your neighbours - if it's happened to them, the person might try someone else on the street
- Join a neighbourhood watch scheme
If you think you've been a victim
You might think the crime isn't important, but it's been estimated that UK consumers lose as much as £3.5 billion a year due to scams.
If you think you've been targeted either call the police or get in touch with .
Scam traders should be reported to Trading Standards, which you can do via Citizens Advice above.