Fidelity ADT has issued a warning to residents after reports about impersonators trying to access residential homes claiming to be government officials or medical practitioners doing Covid-19 home testing
Charnel Hattingh, National Marketing and Communications Manager at Fidelity ADT, says there have been a couple of reports from customers about impersonators trying their luck at the moment. “It is important to never let anyone in your property if their identity or reason for the visit has not been verified. Impersonators can pretend to be electricians, telephone repairmen, garden service employees, or even security and police officers,” says Hattingh.
“We have been advised there is no door to door testing so please do not let anyone in claiming to be from government or one of the medical services,” says Hattingh.
It is imperative for homeowners to take certain precautions, to not let their guard down and be taken in by such scams and ‘con artists’. Any employees who work on your property should also be fully briefed and warned not to give access to any strangers. “If you do get someone claiming to be checking rather alert your security provider who can then respond accordingly,” she says.
“If you are expecting other contractors or deliveries please ensure you brief your staff ahead of time,” she says.
Domestic employees play an integral part in any home security system and it is critical that they are empowered and equipped to look after their own safety, as well as the safety of anyone else on the property such as children they may be looking after.
It is always a good idea to trust your gut and to err on the side of caution. “If you feel something is out of place, report it to the SAPS or your security provider immediately. No one should be allowed to enter unless they can prove their identity and their bona fides for visiting the property.”