It is important to never let anyone in the front door if their identity or reason for the visit has not been verified.
Impersonators can pretend to be electricians, telephone repairmen, garden service employees, or even security and police officers.
“Impersonators are a problem for many industries, especially in the service sector. There will sadly always be criminals who pretend that they are checking your alarm system, installing your new Wi-Fi network, or fixing a municipal water leak in your garden. They are trying their luck by taking advantage of the public’s good nature,” said Agnieszka Gryn, General Manager at Fidelity ADT’s Inland region.
She said it is imperative for homeowners to take certain precautions, to not let their guard down and not be taken in by such scams and ‘con artists’. Any employees who work on your property should also be fully briefed and warned not to give access to any strangers.
“If you are expecting contractors or deliveries, please ensure you brief your staff ahead of time.”
Domestic employees, said Agnieszka, play an integral part in any home security system and it is critical that they are empowered and equipped to look after their own safety, as well as the safety of anyone else on the property, specifically the children they may be looking after.
“Everyone wants and deserves to be safe, no matter who they are and where they work. In the same way that you should share safety tips with your friends and loved ones, you should also share them with anyone that works on your property. Most critically, they need to know how to activate the alarm so that help can be requested in case of an emergency,” she said.
It is always a good idea to trust your gut and to err on the side of caution. Agnieszka went on to say, “If you feel something is out of place, report it to the police or your security provider immediately. No one should be allowed to enter unless they can prove their identity and their bona fides for visiting the property.”
Agnieszka also said, “Our armed response officers, for example, carry a branded ID card with their name, Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) number and a photograph. They also carry a PSIRA card which has their photograph on it.”
“Residents can ask to see these cards, as this will prove they are authentic and not criminals posing as security officers. Our technicians are also clearly identified and will always make prior appointments before visiting clients,” she said.
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