Updated: 23 February 2023
We are committed to reducing door-step crime, including bogus callers, claim farmers (a person or company who encourages someone else to make a claim) and rogue traders.
Sometimes, bogus callers may say they’re from Torus (Helena Homes, Golden Gates Housing Trust or Liverpool Mutual Homes) or HMS.
Bogus callers can also contact you via the phone and with leaflets as well as visiting your home.
Door-step crime
If you’re unsure who someone is, do not let them into your home. If you feel unsafe, please call the police and let us know.
You should not let anyone into you home you are not comfortable with , to help safeguard against these types of callers, please Always ensure you ask to see the ID of unknown visitors to your home - all Torus Group (including HMS) staff will carry photo ID with them.
If someone claiming to be from Torus or HMS comes to your home, but you are not sure, please call us free on 0800 678 1894 to check.
Some simple steps to stay safe at home:
- LOCK – Keep front and back doors locked, even when at home. Bogus callers often work in pairs. One of them will try to keep you talking at the front door while the others tries to get in through the back.
- STOP - Before you answer the door, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Make sure your back door and any other doors leading outside are locked, removing the key before you go to the front door. Look through a spyhole or window to see who it is. Don’t let any caller pressure you into making a quick decision. If you feel uncomfortable don’t answer the door and lock it.
- CHAIN – If you decide to open the door, put the chain or door bar in place first and keep it on while your talk to the visitor on your doorstep. These act as a barrier when talking to unexpected callers. Talk through a window if you can. However, when the door is shut and locked, you should leave it off in case you need to get our in an emergency.
- CHECK - Always ask for ID. Genuine callers will always have identification. If you are still uncertain, phone the organisation and confirm the person’s identity. Genuine callers will be happy to wait on the doorstep with the door closed, even if it is raining.
Scam callers
Residents have reported a rise in ‘scam’ calls by people pretending to be from Torus or another organisation.
Scam phone calls commonly include:
- Banks: claiming there’s a problem with your card or account
- HMRC: claiming there is an issue with your tax refund or unpaid bill
- Computer repair or phone provider: claiming there is a fault with your computer, internet or phone line
- Welfare calls: pretending to be Torus/HMS staff and asking for personal identity information
- Callers pretending to collect payments for Torus: asking for bank card details
Scammers can also visit your home pretending to be:
- Contractors without an appointment: We always book repairs and gas visits ahead of time
- Housing staff without identification: All our staff carry ID
What to do:
- Don’t reveal personal details and don’t feel rushed into making decisions.
- Hang up or close the door if you feel harassed or intimidated.
- Ring the organisation if you’re unsure, but always find the number yourself, not the number they give you to call.
If someone claiming to be from Torus or HMS calls you up, but you are not sure, please call us free on 0800 678 1894 to check.
The safest way to pay us with a bank card is through the Torus Secure Payment Portal.
If someone contacts you by phone claiming to be from Torus or HMS, but you are not sure, please take their details and call us free on 0800 678 1894 to check.
Find out more about Disrepair Claims Farmers here.