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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to feel rather unsettled by this conman?

66 replies

boschy · 18/05/2012 09:30

Yesterday a man appeared on my doorstep, addressed me by name and told me that we were in arrears with one of the utilities companies, and that he was here to collect as little or as much as I could pay, and would be back the same time every week. No shame involved, I was just one of 70 houses in the area he visits on this basis.

Tbh, it's not the sort of thing I would know off the top of my head, so I asked him for some paperwork - he said he couldnt give me anyway, but did give me a postcard on which he handwrote what he said we owed - over £400. the card had a nice logo of the utility company he said he represented, and a message about looking out for bogus callers.

The man was scarily plausible and very persistent. Eventually I had to say that I couldnt pay anything til I'd spoken to my husband, so he left. (Obv I wouldnt have paid anything anyway, just wanted to get rid of him).

So I called the company and surprise surprise, we dont owe them anything. I've told the police about the conman and they want to come and see me although they cant say when that would be (was supposed to be within an hour yesterday - now they say not til next week).

The thing is, we are quite isolated - house is down a track, there are neighbours along the track but once you get here no one could see you. I've always mostly left the front door open so the dog could wander in and out at will, but am going to keep it locked now.

DH says bloke will not come back, his scam didnt work and not to worry, but I just feel on edge, and maybe he was casing the joint for a burglary or something? The man has discovered that I am here alone during the day and that the dog is not exactly burglar-eating material...

So AIBU to feel a bit anxious, am I just being a wuss?

OP posts:
sugarice · 18/05/2012 09:34

Without wishing to worry you I would be on my guard and keep all doors locked and windows shut just to be on the safe side.

CogitoErgoSometimes · 18/05/2012 09:34

YANBU. That was a pretty brazen attempt to swindle you out of some cash and, if you're in an isolated location, it's understandable that you feel wary. Yes, keeping people chatting on the doorstep is a technique for having an accomplice slip in through the back door... think you're wise to consider that. Obviously, check your security is good, keep your phone handy, and well done for alerting the police.

Bearcrumble · 18/05/2012 09:35

I doubt he will come back but it's sensible to take precautions. I'd lock the door like you said.

pictish · 18/05/2012 09:36

I'm with your dh. I wouldn't give him another thought - he won't be back.

abitcoldupnorth · 18/05/2012 09:36

I can understand why you're worried - we live in similar sort of place and I'm also alone all day with 2 of the most pathetic dogs known to man.

I would keep the door shut/locked for now, but the police are aware, and the man is aware that he's been rumbled, so tbh I wouldn't worry too much.

Did you see a vehicle at all?

DPrince · 18/05/2012 09:37

Its pretty easy to find out the name of a person living at a property. I would his be cautious just incase.

amillionyears · 18/05/2012 09:39

have you a neighbourhood watch scheme you could inform, and ring some local people to warn them , and to keep a look out.Also the postman may like to keep an eye open.Ours is great, loves to be involved.

Original poster
boschy · 18/05/2012 09:46

DH actually came back while the man was leaving - DH has to get out of the van to open the gate - and the man said "are you Mr Boschy, I've just been talking to your wife about the arrears" !!!!!

DH said he knew nothing at which point I came out to shut the gate after DH had driven in and the man said he would come and talk to us both but I said no we would prefer to talk alone.

So yes, really brazen. Our neighbour also saw him, and we have a vehicle make and colour... I've put it on my Facebook page for locals, missed seeing the postie this morning but will catch him tomorrow, and will spread the word with fellow dog-walkers.

It just makes me so ANGRY that there are vulnerable people who will fall for things like this - I'm quite tough but it has shaken me up.

OP posts:
amillionyears · 18/05/2012 09:52

As he is being so brazen, hopefully he will probably get caught.

fishybits · 18/05/2012 10:01

I had one of these last week. He said we owed x amount and needed to pay it now or else the power would be cut off with a phone call. I just said "we don't owe anything" and stared at him. He then said that we had nice dogs so I told him that both dog bite which is when he left Grin

my2centsis · 18/05/2012 10:11

I'm surprised people actually do this. Wow sorry op no help. I would probly be a little anxious I'd i was you but i worry way too much then I should. Doubt he will come back!

SarahStratton · 18/05/2012 10:18

I always make a huge fuss about shutting LittleDog in the kitchen 'because he bites'. It's a lost cause, he couldn't fit anything bigger than a toe in his mouth anyway, but the sentiment is there.

I would keep the windows and doors locked for a bit, but I do agree with your DH, he knows he's been rumbled and won't be back. He also knows you will be suspicious and got a good look at him.

Original poster
boschy · 18/05/2012 11:46

Well, I've told all my fellow dog-walkers, and put a call into the CPSO in case things get lost between centre and local bods.

I shall now go out and boobytrap the gate I think!! (one old chap who is ex-soemting to do with police, but not quite a policeman, told me I should always keep a camera by the front door to take pics of unknown visitors. I think this is possibly overdoing things...)

OP posts:
Pixieonthemoor · 18/05/2012 11:51

Not at all surprised you feel unsettled - how unbelievably brass-necked. He even tried to involve your husband!!! My guess is, like your dh says, he won't be back but is there a friend you can have over for a cup of coffee for moral support if he turns up at the same time next week as he threatened?? You would feel better if you weren't on your own.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 18/05/2012 11:58

How frightening. I'd be horrified and incensed, it's just disgusting.

You've already contacted the police OP but I wonder if you'd make a call to your council's social service department - elderly persons' section and make them aware. They can keep a special eye on the ones most vulnerable and would use their visiting carers to inform them of the need for vigillance. Too many will still invite an unknown visitor in, despite warnings, because of 'manners' instilled in them. :(

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 18/05/2012 11:59

Oh and can you keep a camera handy to take a picture of him - and his vehicle - if he comes back?

Original poster
boschy · 18/05/2012 12:04

witch that's a good idea about social service dept - I will do that. and yes I will keep a camera in case he does come back - wont just shoot off pics of other random callers tho, that just seems weird!

OP posts:
LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 18/05/2012 12:12

Great, boschy, goes without saying, don't let him see you take pictures though, not if you're on your own. If you do see him, call the police straight away to give them time to get there. Maybe get the name now of the detective involved in this case?

Original poster
boschy · 18/05/2012 12:22

I've got a case number, but no names - no one has been to see me yet (see above... - they were too busy yesterday and tried to make an appt for 8pm Sat night but I can only see that as being even busier?! so have gone for the random 'call if they are in the area' approach)

I've just emailed a contact who works in elderly social care for the council, so will see what can come of that.

yesterday they told me if he comes back to ring 999... gulp. praps photos are not such a good idea unless I go down the garden and practice taking them discreetly?

OP posts:
nickelbabe · 18/05/2012 12:27

nasty con.

also, you should ask for ID, never pay up on the door - you will be told in advance about arrears and given a chance to deal with them.

even if he were genuine, by law your electricity cannot be cut off- that's why they give you a pre-payment meter if you can't pay.

nickelbabe · 18/05/2012 12:29

you could use your mobile phone to take apicture of him - pretend that you're trying to find a number or your electricity account number and take it- make sure you set all your shutter settings to silent though.

Original poster
boschy · 18/05/2012 12:33

ah good plan nickelbabe I will practice that. (wasnt leccy though, and I didnt give him anything!!)

and I should have asked for ID - the thing is, these people get you on the back foot. I'm 51, got (most) of my marbles, am quite a tough cookie, and it still unsettled me. what chance has someone elderly and frail got?? that's what makes me so angry... and that people can be so vile as to try stuff like this.

OP posts:
LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 18/05/2012 12:37

They rely on that, boschy, they don't want to give you time to think. They are vile and complete scum. You're doing your bit already and I hope they catch this creep and make sure he never has a minute's peace or feeling of security ever again.

Hyperballad · 18/05/2012 12:39

Hi, I don't think he'll come back but I'm not surprised you feel unsettled by this.

For a bit of piece of mind it's very easy to set a camera (and can be fairly low cost), you can set it to record to your home PC so you do have footage if he did come back but also you can set it up so you can dial in and look at it live on your smart phone/pc etc.

Hence being able to check who is knocking on the door before answering it.

I think seeing as you are secluded, having this type of set up would just give you an extra tool to protect your property and give you peace of mind.

What do you think?

Hyperballad · 18/05/2012 12:40

Btw, you could view it when you are away from the house as well as inside.

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