Not sure don’t answer the door

The Newcastle Safeguarding Adults Board are reminding people to be alert to people offering help and support who might want to take advantage of or exploit a vulnerable person.

At a time when people might be reliant on other people helping them, for example with shopping, it is important to highlight that some offers of help might not always be genuine.

Some of the other Covid-19 related doorstep scams have included:

• Criminals targeting people on their doorstep and offering to do their shopping. Thieves take the money and do not return.
• Doorstep cleansing services that offer to clean drives and doorways to kill bacteria and help prevent the spread of the virus.
• Criminals pretending to be health officials offering door-to door Covid testing.

Not everyone is dishonest, but there are some things that you can do to keep yourself safe:

• If you need help and support at this time, try to use existing and trusted community groups. You can register with Welfare and Wellbeing Team to ask for help or support. The Welfare and Wellbeing Team helpline telephone number is 0800 170 7001 or 0191 277 8000.  Someone from the dedicated Welfare and Wellbeing Team will call you back within 24 hours to talk you though any concerns you have. 
• If you don’t want to use the Welfare and Wellbeing Team, could a trusted family member, friend or neighbour help?
• Not sure, don’t answer the door. If you’re not sure about an offer of help, ask the person to leave their details and talk to someone you trust about it. 
• If you are suspicious ask for identification.
• Don’t be rushed into making a decision.

You can find out more about doorstep crime and no cold calling zones in Newcastle by visiting the local Trading Standards website here.