Penarth OAP gives conmen short shrift head (From Penarth Times)

Penarth OAP gives conmen short shrift head

POLICE in the Vale are appealing for information after two men tried to con a Penarth pensioner into paying for maintenance work - and then demanded her pension book number.

The incident took place on Tuesday, February 8, at around 2.05pm, when two men called at a house on Redlands Avenue and said there was a problem with the resident's waste water.

They asked the pensioner to stay in the kitchen and feel the pipes under the sink for heat, and they told her she would need to pay for the work. She refused to do this, so they asked for the number of her pension book.

This request was also refused, and the two men left the property.

The first man is described as white, aged 25 to 30, around 6ft, medium build, with very dark, short and tidy hair, pale complexion, and wearing a white T-shirt and zip-up jacket, possibly a fleece.

The second man is described as white, aged 20 to 30, 5ft 6in, medium build, with medium brown hair with a slight fringe that was swept sideways.

Divisional Crime Prevention Officer, PC Dick Collins said: "If someone who looks or claims to be official calls at your door, it is important to always stop, chain and check to help beat bogus callers."

The steps to take are as follows:

STOP: Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked any back door and taken the key out.

CHAIN: Put the door bar or chain on. Look through the spy hole or window to see who it is. Always keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on your doorstep.

CHECK: Ask for and carefully check their identity card, even if they have a prearranged appointment, as all genuine callers will carry one. Do they look like the person on the card? Is the name the same one as that on your letter? Close the door while you do this. If you are not expecting them and they have not shown you an identity card, then do not let them in.

PC Collins added that most people who call at your home will be genuine - but sometimes people call at your home with the sole intention of stealing your money and valuables.

You should always be aware when someone you do not know or are not expecting calls at your door.

PC Collins said: "Utility companies now also offer a password scheme for older and vulnerable customers to help beat bogus callers.

"Customers give the company a word that is confidential to them and the company. When their representative calls, they will tell the customer the password to prove they are genuine."

Contact the following numbers to set up a password scheme or receive further details of services offered (when calling, customers should quote their account or customer reference number):

British Gas - 08459 555 404

SWALEC - 0800 622 838

Welsh Water - 0800 052 0145