Doorstep crime refers to rogue traders, bogus callers and distraction burglary. Whilst we do have genuine callers at our doors there are unfortunately those that exploit people in their home.
This includes people that knock on your door, phone calls, leaflets that rogue traders put through the letterbox and false use of logos to appear genuine.
What are uninvited doorstep callers?
These ‘salespeople/traders’ show up unannounced and try to pressure you into getting work done on your house, such as fixing your roof, driveway, gutters, or trees. They often claim they’re working in the neighbourhood and can offer you a super cheap price.
You may also get ‘Nottingham Knockers/Duster sellers who claim to be part of a rehabilitation scheme to try and sell household cleaning products. Not only are they trying to sell you poor quality items at highly inflated prices, they are also checking out suitable targets that can be sold on to professional burglars.
Rogue traders use the following approaches as an introduction to try and get you to pay for services or goods you don’t want or need:
- "You’ve got a loose tile on your roof” Pressure and worry can cause people to make hasty decisions. Contact a reputable trader in your area if you are concerned.
- “I can give you a good price to repair your driveway” They often give you a low price to entice you to agree to the work, then increase the price during the job.
- “I’m doing a survey”/“Can you help with market research?” The caller may be genuine, or they may be trying to find out information about you that they can use in future either to burgle your home, or to gain access to your online accounts.
- “I advise on security/home safety” As they are checking your security/home safety they are scoping out what you have to steal, and how they can get into your home.
- “We were working next door/down the road when we noticed…” Any reputable builder/gardener will not need to call door to door. Also, never book anyone to do any work if you don't know where they are based.
- “You have definitely won a prize” The catch is you need to purchase something to get a prize that is worth less than what you pay to receive it.
- “We are only in your area this week” You shouldn’t engage with anyone that you cannot contact again. This time pressured approach should be avoided.
- “I’m selling on behalf of…” This creates a false sense of legitimacy and trust. It allows them to distance themselves from the potential risks of direct selling and appears to represent someone else's interests.
- “We’re looking for show homes…” They create an image of being genuine and being interested in real estate to try and make you engage with them. They can use it as a pretext to ask for personal details which can be used for fraudulent purposes.
- “It’s a cheap price as we have left over materials from a job down the road” Offering a bargain price could result in you buying poor quality materials, or in many cases, the price increases as soon as the work starts. There could also be the risk that the goods or materials are stolen.
What’s the catch?
- You probably don’t even need the work doing.
- You will get pressured to agreeing straight away.
- Once they start working the price may skyrocket.
- After they’ve taken your money, the job may be left unfinished or be shoddily done.
They often target older folks and people who can be easily pressured.
What can you do?
The simplest way to avoid rogue traders is not to engage with them, say no thanks and stick to it. If you feel unsafe, call the police.
- Don’t feel obliged to talk to them at all.
- If you do talk to them, don’t agree to anything on the spot. If you do agree for the work to be carried out, they are legally required to give you a written notice explaining you have the right to a 14-day cooling off period.
- Get quotes from other companies before making a decision.
- Do not pay cash on your doorstep.
Always ask yourself:
- Do I really want the work done, or the goods?
- Would I normally have agreed to this?
- Have I compared prices?
- Do I know the seller?
- Can I really afford it?
- Can I contact the seller again?
- Do I have any cancellation rights?
Don’t hurry to part with your money, a good deal will always wait.
If you have had a doorstep caller that you believe is suspicious report it via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0300 123 2040
