Visitors, tradespeople and landlord visits

When you live alone you will have repair people, meter readers, landlords and couriers at your door. Most are genuine, but bogus callers rely on you feeling too polite to check.

Stop, check, confirm

• The Metropolitan Police teach three steps for any unexpected caller: stop, check, confirm.
• Do not open the door until you know who it is. West Yorkshire Police say a genuine caller should be happy to wait outside while you check.
• Ask to see ID. The Met suggests ID can be passed through the letterbox; a door viewer or video doorbell also helps.
• Phone the company yourself on a number you find independently, such as on your bill or the official website. West Yorkshire Police warn that a number the caller gives you may be answered by an accomplice.
• The Metropolitan Police rule of thumb: 'If in doubt, keep them out.'

Utility workers and password schemes

• West Yorkshire Police note that some utility companies offer a password scheme: you choose a password, and anyone calling on behalf of the company must quote it.
• Ask your energy and water suppliers if they offer this when you set up your accounts (see the Bills module for setting up utilities).
• Genuine meter readings and repairs are often booked in advance. If someone turns up unannounced saying there is an urgent problem, check before letting them in.
• Never let a caller pressure you with urgency. Saying 'please wait while I call your office' is reasonable and polite.

Doorstep sellers and rogue traders

• West Yorkshire Police advise never agreeing to work from someone who is 'just passing', and not taking their word that work is needed.
• Never agree to work or pay money on the doorstep.
• If you do need work done, get at least two written quotes and agree the price, payment terms and dates in writing first (West Yorkshire Police).
• In a rented home, most repairs are your landlord's job anyway. Report the problem to them rather than hiring someone yourself.
• Report rogue traders to the police: in the UK, call 101, or 999 if you feel threatened (West Yorkshire Police).

When your landlord or agent wants to come in

• In England, the City of Lincoln Council explains that a landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice in writing before visiting, and this also applies to managing agents and contractors they send.
• The same guidance says landlords must not enter without your prior consent, and doing so can lead to action for harassment.
• In houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), the landlord can visit shared areas without notice but needs to give notice for other areas, including your room.
• Rules differ by country. In the UAE or elsewhere, check your tenancy contract or ask your accommodation office what notice they must give.
• If you are not comfortable being alone with a visitor, ask a friend to be there or arrange the visit for a time a flatmate is home.

A script for the door

• Through the door: 'Hello, who is it, and which company are you from?'
• 'Could you hold your ID up to the viewer, please? I'm going to call your office to confirm. It will only take a minute.'
• If you cannot confirm: 'I'm not able to let you in today. Please ask the company to contact me to book a time.'
• Then close the conversation. You do not owe anyone an explanation, and you can report anything suspicious to the police.