Would you answer the door to someone looking for their iPhone?

[unusualarrangement]

We live in a flat in a not so nice area of London. My elderly neighbour who lives alone has a man on the intercom saying his phone has been stolen and it’s mapping at her flat. I’ve politely told him to search around the back. I have cancer and only got discharged yesterday and she hasn’t been out.

Hes getting impatient.

Two men in high viz jackets once tried to trick their way in saying they were "checking a gas leak". They got quite pushy and threatening when I wouldnt let them in and said they had the right to force the door. I rang the police and then told the men that they were on their way. They quickly left. The officers checked and the gas company had no work gangs in the area so It was an attempt to gain entry. After that I took my name off the public electoral register which had shown only one occupant. The police said they possibly targeted my address because of that.

If she hasn't stolen his phone there's literally zero reason to open the door, she knows it's not in her flat so he's talking out of his arse.

Also find my iPhone isn't that precise. It'll be showing the area, including the shops below her, it can't tell you which room it's in.

Tell him to call the police and they can sort it.

(As an aside I've worked in control and we get a lot of calls from elderly and vulnerable people in this sort of situation, it's usually a scam and the scammer will bolt the minute actual uniforms turn out)

Not a chance

I would worry that their schtick might be to turn up at the door of someone slightly vulnerable asking about their phone. Occupant then goes to the door and says 'no, the only phone here is this one, which is mine.' Caller snatches the phone from their hand and legs it?

Definitely not. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen x

Actually I have had one of those key locks fitted for my nurses to get into the flat recently. Could that have anything to do with it?

Tell him to contact the police and you’ll be happy to support the investigation through them.

It’s a known scam, I’ve read about this on Reddit. Sometimes people try it at weird times of the night to try to take advantage of people who are bleary eyed etc. Sounds like they also target the elderly / vulnerable.

Horrible individuals.

Sometimes when people see key safe boxes they realise there may be someone vulnerable there and plan accordingly, sadly.

It doesn't bear thinking about. He could have friends waiting nearby and attack the lady. I would say do not let any stranger in. He could use any reason to get in and could then rape the lady or even kill her.

Did exactly this as I had found a phone on the common, took it home so I could answer it if anyone called and tell them I had it (instead of leaving it out in the rain) and the guy tracked it down via ‘find my phone app!’ He had knocked on a few other neighbours doors first as it wasn’t totally accurate- maybe similar situation?

Another one today. Female ringing the bell constantly said she was looking for a phone and a laptop! It’s quite intimidating really. I called the police.

Perhaps one of the shops downstairs are storing stolen items? The police won’t search flats for stolen items which have been tracked there anyway. The technology isn’t accurate enough. I learnt this last year when I tracked my stolen phone to a flat and they said they couldn’t search it.