Messages on social media regularly circulate, relaying incidents involving impersonators posing as repairmen, security or even police officers.
While many of these messages are later exposed as hoaxes, it is worth heeding the advice to err on the side of caution before letting strangers inside.
Homeowners can take certain precautions, assures Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT.
“Certain individuals will always try to take advantage.
“Having a cautious approach is always good and can help you avoid becoming a victim,” she said.
“Impersonators are fond of creating fictional characters from the services sector and using it for their purposes.
“This gives them access to your home by claiming to fix or check your alarm system, Wi-Fi network or water leaks on your property.”
Employees on the property should be briefed on any expected deliveries or appointments, recommended Hattingh.
In the case of verifying security officers and technicians, Hattingh suggested the following:
“Fidelity ADT armed response officers carry a branded ID card with their name, PSIRA number and a photograph.
“They also carry a PSIRA card which has their photograph,” she said.
“Technicians are also identifiable and will make prior appointments before arriving.”
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If any individual requesting access cannot provide a legitimate reason for visiting your property and authentic credentials, they should not be allowed to enter.
“Ensure employees are equipped to handle themselves and the safety of anyone else on the property.
A home security system is more than just an alarm system and strategically placed safety apparatus.
“How individuals respond in the face of imminent danger is essential,” said Hattingh.
She added that while everyone needs to know how to arm the alarm system, not everyone needs to know how to disarm it.
“Young children and new employees don’t necessarily need to know all the passwords.
“Ideally, employees should be given their own passwords which makes keeping track of events much easier (especially if something goes wrong),” said Hattingh.
Whether you are at work or running errands, the safety of your home and loved ones should not be the cause of unnecessary stress.
Hattingh recommended the following checklist:
• Does everyone who resides and regularly works on your property know how to activate the alarm in the case of an emergency?
• Does everyone know the numbers of the essential emergency services, the SAPS and your security provider?
• Have they been briefed on the correct protocol before allowing the relevant individuals on to the property?
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