A new crime trend is emerging where criminals pose as members of the body corporate or maintenance teams to gain access to residential complexes. These messages often seem legitimate, making it easy for unsuspecting residents to fall victim. Here’s how to stay vigilant and ensure your safety:
How to spot these criminals:
- Beware of unannounced service providers. Maintenance visits are usually communicated well in advance, so be cautious if you receive a message or call out of the blue about urgent repairs.
- Scammers often use unofficial channels to contact residents. Verify the sender’s details against official body corporate communications and do not respond to any unknown numbers, especially if they request access to your complex.
- Criminals might claim there’s an emergency, such as a water leak or electrical fault, to pressure you into granting access. Legitimate requests usually allow time for verification. If you feel pressured to give a visitor access, don’t fall for it.
- Be wary of messages asking for your apartment number, entry codes, or any other sensitive information, it is like being asked for your bank card number.
You’ve been contacted or received a text, here’s what to do next:
Firstly, always use the official contact details provided in your complex’s welcome pack or previous correspondence to confirm the legitimacy of the request. Body corporate will usually communicate and deal with service providers themselves, and will inform residence of any information relating to the maintenance that is expected to be done.
If someone arrives claiming to be from maintenance or a contractor, ask for official identification and cross-check it with your body corporate.
Check with other residents to see if they’ve received the same message or are aware of scheduled maintenance. This can also be done on the complex’s WhatsApp group.
Never share access codes! Body corporates or contractors should not need your personal gate or apartment codes. Access should be coordinated through proper channels.
Always refuse entry to anyone who hasn’t been verified and report suspicious activity to your complex security and local law enforcement immediately. Also be sure to inform your body corporate so they can alert other residents.
Remember, safety starts at your door!
By staying alert and double-checking maintenance requests, you can help protect yourself and your community from falling victim to this crime trend. Let’s work together to keep our homes safe!