us Personal safety & immediate danger someone claims to be official at my door • impostor at the door • fake utility worker • fake city worker • unverified worker visit • door to door scam • stranger wants to enter my home • suspicious person at my door • cannot verify identity quickly • badge or uniform at door • high pressure doorstep demand • claims emergency inspection • fake law enforcement at door • home entry scam • unexpected service call • impersonation scam • doorstep safety • worried about burglary ruse

What to do if…
someone claims to be a worker or official at your door but you cannot verify it quickly

Short answer

Do not open the door—verify by calling the organization using a number you find yourself. If they won’t leave or you feel unsafe, call 911.

Do not do these things

Do not open the door just because they have a uniform, badge, or clipboard.
Do not let them inside “for a minute” to check something, even if they sound urgent.
Do not call a phone number they hand you or show you on a card/text.
Do not share personal information (date of birth, SSN, banking details, account logins) at the door.
Do not hand over money, gift cards, or payment info to “avoid disconnection/fines”.
Do not step outside to “walk with them” if you feel uncertain or pressured.

What to do now

Make a safer pause. Keep the door closed and locked. Talk through the door, a security camera, or a nearby window if you can.
Use a simple boundary line. “I can’t open the door until I verify you. Please wait outside.” If they argue, repeat once and stop engaging.
Collect details without opening. Have them hold ID up to a window/camera. Note name, company/agency, and any work order number. (Treat ID as “not proof” until verified.)
Verify using contact info you trust (not what they provide).
- If they claim a utility company: call the number on your bill or on the utility’s official website (typed in yourself).
- If they claim a city/county agency: call the city/county main line (switchboard) and ask if someone was sent to your address.
- If they claim law enforcement: if you’re not in immediate danger, look up and call your local department’s non-emergency dispatch number to verify. If you feel unsafe, they won’t leave, or they try to force entry, call 911.
If they claim an urgent hazard: don’t let “urgency” force the door open. Step away from the doorway and call the relevant service yourself (utility emergency line, or 911 if there’s immediate danger).
If they refuse to leave, threaten you, or try to force entry: call 911 and tell the dispatcher someone is attempting to gain entry while claiming to be an official/worker.
If you already opened the door or they got inside: move to a safer spot (behind a locked interior door if possible) and call 911. Don’t try to physically block them.
After they leave, document and report. Write down what happened (time, description, vehicle details if seen) and save doorbell/CCTV footage. If it seems like a scam attempt, report it to:
- the organization they claimed to represent (using verified contact info)
- the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- IC3.gov if it involved fraud/impersonation tied to online contact, payment requests, or stolen personal info

What can wait

You don’t need to decide right now whether they were “real” or “fake”—your job is to buy time and verify safely.
You don’t need to argue, investigate, or confront them on the doorstep.
You don’t need to make any payments, sign anything, or agree to work in the moment.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel flustered when someone shows up looking official—especially if they act urgent. Legitimate workers can wait while you verify, and it’s reasonable to keep the door closed until you’re sure.

Scope note

These are first steps for immediate safety and to prevent irreversible mistakes. If money was paid, personal info was shared, or access was gained, you may need follow-up help from your bank, local law enforcement, and scam-reporting services.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal advice. If you feel in immediate danger, call 911.

Additional Resources

Support us

What to do if…someone claims to be a worker or official at your door but you cannot verify it quickly