Distraction Burglary scams - Business crime
Businesses & individuals are at risk of distraction burglary scams
Over the past few months, we have seen an increase in reports regarding identity theft. We want to help ensure you don't become the victim of these crimes by outlining the common techniques that criminals use. One of these is through the use of distraction burglary scams.
Criminals who are committing a distraction burglary crime will often work in pairs. However, someone can do this on their own. They aim to trick you into allowing them into your home or business.
If criminals are working together, one of them might distract you, whilst their accomplice breaks into your house or business. It can be difficult to spot if someone is genuine are just trying to trick you. This is because these types of criminals will often come across as polite and charming.
Once they are on your property, they will take whatever they can. This could be any office equipment such as laptops or tablets that are being unsupervised or they can take money straight out of your bag.
Most criminals will commit identity theft online. However, what makes distraction burglary's so terrifying is that they are done face to face.
This can leave many of their victims feeling frightened, and less likely to trust. It might even cause them to become withdrawn, especially if they are extremely vulnerable.
We want to help you avoid these types of crimes by outlining just a few of the signs and ways to prevent a distraction burglary.
What are the signs of a distraction burglary?
If someone approaches you at your home or business, there are a few signs you need to look out for if you think they may be a scammer. By avoiding these tell-tale signs, it'll help to protect you and your personal belongings.
Criminals will often find ways to access your house. They can do this using persuasive stories such as that they've broken down and need to use their phone. They might ask if they can step in whilst they wait. We understand that you might want to help someone, but we suggest you don't let them into your home. Instead, you could offer to call a breakdown company on their behalf.
A criminal might also pretend to be from an electric company or gas company. This is something that both businesses and individuals need to be wary of. They could tell you that there is a problem in the area, and they need to come in and see if your building/house has been affected, or they might tell you that they need to take a reading. Even if the person has the correct uniform and devices on him, doesn't mean he is genuine.
Some criminals using distraction burglary might tell you that there is a problem with the water in your area and ask if you will go and run the taps in your bathroom or the kitchen. Whilst you're doing this, they will enter your home or business and take what they can.
A criminal might even pose as other officials such as the council, police officer, or health worker. Posing as these officials gives them an advantage as most people won't question another person in an authoritative position.
Most of these criminals using this technique will want to play on your kind and trusting nature. An example of this could include a criminal impersonating a charity. They could tell you that they are collecting money. They might even ask if they can have something from your home or business to assist them with an issue, they are having such as a pen, chair, or even ask to use your toilet.
Someone using a distraction burglary scam might make the situation sound urgent. They will use emotive language or seem distressed to make their victims panic. For example, they could say "we're from the Water Board; there is a burst pipe in the street, and we need to come in and switch your water off immediately."
They might also come across as extremely charming and convincing. They could be extremely chatty in the hope they will distract you from any potential, obvious signs.
How do I protect myself from a distraction burglary scam?
Though it can be intimidating when someone asks if they can come into your home or business, you need to make sure you remain guarded. You're setting yourself up for theft by easily trusting someone without proof. Here are some other tips for you to follow:
Don't let anyone into your house or business without proof they are who they say they are. Most genuine companies will have their employees wearing a badge. So, ask to see a badge or identification to confirm they are genuine.
If the person is insisting, they need to come in as it is urgent, tell them you are going to call their company first to be sure what they are saying is true. For example, if they are telling you that there is an issue with the water in your area, call the water company to confirm this is true. However, don't use the number they have provided. They might have their accomplice on the other end of the phone. We recommend getting the number yourself by doing your research online or through any old correspondence they've sent you in the past.
We also suggest doing the same if a police officer knocks on your door. Though it can be intimidating to question them and ask for proof, genuine police officers understand that there is a lot of crime. Ask to see their badge or call your local police station to confirm that they need access to your home.
You can even visit Trading Standard to check for current distraction scams going around at the minute or contact them for advice on whether the caller is genuine.
Remember, if they are asking to come in and use your phone, you need to be cautious of this. Most people tend to carry a mobile phone with them these days. It's extremely rare to come across someone who doesn't.
If you do let them in, whether you've had proof or not, we advise you always keep them in sight. You never know someone's intentions. If you can, stay with them to make sure they don't take your belongings.
If you are worried when answering the door, put the chain on before you open it. This is a common technique that a lot of people use if they are concerned. This way, it prevents anyone from forcing their way in and helps to keep your home extra secure.
We also advise you to keep windows and doors locked wherever possible. This reduces the risk of an accomplice finding another entry point whilst the criminal is distracting you.
Vulnerable people tend to be more at risk of falling for a distraction burglary scam. So, we suggest that those who are vulnerable should contact family, friends, or colleagues if they are unsure.
Individuals should also check with the neighbour if they are unsure. Get advice from a neighbour or call them to come over. This can give you extra reassurance on what to do.
If you are unsure, you can always ask the caller to come back later when you have somebody else with you. Once they leave, call a friend, family member, or colleague, and ask if they will come around to wait with you when the caller returns. Most genuine companies won't mind coming back if they can see you are worried or unsure. Especially if it means they must enter your home or business.
Don't let anyone pressure you into allowing them to enter your property. If you have any suspicions, don't let them in.
Avoid keeping large quantities of cash in your home/business. If you do, ensure it is kept safe. We also advise you to avoid leaving cash or valuable equipment unattended if someone does make a call. Again, even if they are genuine, you never know what someone's intentions are. Ensure someone is always keeping an eye on the caller.
Remember, it's not rude to refuse to let a stranger into your home/business.
What should I do if I’m the victim of this crime?
Distraction burglary is one of the scariest forms of identity theft. This is because it is done face to face. This can leave individuals feeling too intimidated to say no or question their authenticity. It can also leave individuals frightened to answer the door or trust anyone if they do fall victim to this attack. If you or anyone you know is the victim of distraction burglary, here's what you need to do:
If you aren't comfortable and they are refusing to leave, call the police ASAP. No one can enter your home or business without consent. If they are refusing to leave, you should call the police and inform them of this. If you discover it is a genuine company, we also advise you to make a complaint to the company about the individual who called around. This will ensure they aren't putting other people in uncomfortable situations and ensures the company can deal with it effectively.
If someone has broken into your home, or you suspect an individual has posed as an official or company and has taken your belongings after you let them in, call the police.
We also suggest upping the security of your home or business. If a burglar has found a way in, they might attempt to do it again. Usually, those who become victims of scams are targeted again. So, we advise you to be careful and do what you can to increase the security of your property.
If you are working in a business, and you believe someone has stolen any property, call your manager as well as the police. It can be extremely frightening to tell your manager as you might worry, that they will be annoyed. Criminals using distraction burglary are extremely clever and know what to say to convince people they need to enter the building. You need to report it to the police and call up your manager as soon as possible so that it can be dealt with promptly.
If you live in a rented property, inform your landlord. Not only can they help advise you on any repairs, but they can also help up any security.
Call your home insurance provider for advice on making any necessary claims.
If you notice any important documents have been taken such as passports or bank cards, you will need to ring your bank, government organisations, and other relevant organisations.
To find out more about the different types of online identity theft and how you can prevent it, please read more of our articles below.