How Can You Avoid Doorstep Scams? Three Key Habits
Someone knocks at your door wearing blue overalls and carrying a clipboard, saying they've come to check the gas. Here we explain three common doorstep scams and the three habits that best protect you against them.
The inspector scam: one distracts you, the other steals
The fake gas, electricity or water inspector almost never works alone. While one person keeps you busy in the kitchen with a fake meter reading, another goes through the drawers in the bedroom.
Spain's National Police calls it the "inspector scam". If you open the door, they can empty your drawers in as little as five minutes.
The water drip scam: a leak that doesn't exist
This con begins with a supposed stain on the ceiling of the neighbour downstairs. A fake plumber asks to come up and check your bathroom.
They then charge you for repairing a leak that doesn't exist and disappear.
The hug scam and the banknote bundle scam
These two scams mainly target older people. In the hug scam, the fraudster uses the physical contact to take the victim's necklace, watch or wallet.
In the "estampita" scam, they ask for money in exchange for a bundle of notes that is actually just paper.
Why these cons work
These scammers don't force locks or disable alarms. You are the one who opens the door to them.
On the other side there is no mistake by the company, but a staged act designed to win your trust.
The three habits that protect you most
First: if you haven't booked an appointment, don't open the door. Gas, electricity and water companies don't usually send technicians to people's homes without notice. Anyone who turns up unannounced is usually a scammer. Always use the peephole.
Second: even if they show you an ID badge, call the official number on your bill, not the one the worker gives you. Ask them to wait outside and check with the company whether there is a work order.
Third: don't pay in cash or give out your bank details. A genuine inspection is usually billed afterwards, by direct debit or invoice, never at the door.
Warn others and report it
Let your older neighbours know, as they are the most frequent target of these cons. If the supposed technicians keep insisting, report it by calling 091.
Remember that an unrequested visit is not an inspection: it's a script. The safest habit is still to look before you open.
Frequently asked questions
Do gas, electricity or water companies send technicians without notice?
They don't usually do so. If someone turns up unannounced saying they've come to carry out an inspection, they are most likely a scammer.
How can I check whether a technician is genuine?
Ask them to wait outside and call the official number on your bill, not the one they give you. Ask the company whether there is a work order.
Should I pay for an inspection at the door?
No. A genuine inspection is usually billed afterwards, by direct debit or invoice, so don't pay in cash or give out your bank details.
Where do I report an attempted doorstep scam?
You can report it by calling 091, especially if the supposed technicians insist on coming in.
Informative article written with the help of AI tools from the verified script of the video. The video is in Spanish.