Over £5.3B was lost to doorstep scams over the last year in the UK, with 22% reporting an increase in doorstep scams in their neighbourhood in 2022 compared to the previous year, according to new research from Ring. The research showed that in the UK, men over the age of 60 are most likely to be the target of a doorstep scam in the past year, while elderly parents (38%), elderly neighbours (26%) and themselves (20%) are the people they are most concerned about falling for a scam.
Moreover, one in five know someone who has been the victim of a doorstep scam in the last twelve months. Ring commissioned the research as it was revealed these scams are on the rise, with nearly eight million people across Great Britain and Northern Ireland falling victim to an attempted doorstep scams in the past year.
According to the survey, getting a video doorbell (22%), a dog (20%), and joining a neighbourhood group (19%) are the most popular ways people have protected themselves and loved ones to give them an additional sense of security at home and peace of mind.
Independent Age, a UK-based charity which provides support and advice to help older people remain independent, shared tips on how to help prevent you or a loved one falling for a doorstep scam:
- Be cautious – never let anyone you don’t know and trust into your home.
- Installing a video doorbell with a camera means you can see who’s at the door and enables you to speak to them, before deciding whether to open the door.
- Always check ID – you can call the company if you’re unsure. Don’t call the number on the caller’s ID as it may belong to another scammer. You should look in the phone book or on the company’s website.
- If you have a video doorbell or other smart home security system, you can give trusted family members access to it.
- Join a neighbourhood group. This could be as simple as a WhatsApp group, or going to community events, but getting to know your neighbours is a great way to be up to date on the issues impacting the community around you.
- Put up a ‘no cold callers’ sign. If you have one up, people who represent a genuine company will not knock on your door. This way, you know to be suspicious of anyone who does knock on your door trying to sell you something, or claiming to be from a company you get a service from.
- Call the police on 101 if you’re suspicious or feel threatened.
Ring offers a range of products to keep the home protected from unwanted visitors, including Ring Video Doorbell, and Ring Intercom.
