Doorstep Scams
Top Tips When Dealing With an Unexpected Caller on Your Doorstep
Put up signs
Stick a “no cold callers” sign clearly visible on your front door or window.
We’ve created a sign you can print at home.
Access and print the colour version or a black and white version .
Alternatively you request one from some local councils or trading standards offices.
If an uninvited trader ignores this sticker, they may be committing an offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. You should feel confident to ask them to leave and close the door.
If they persist, complain to the company in question and to Trading Standards using the Citizens Advice consumer helpline 03454 04 05 06.
If you feel threatened you can call 999.
If you are suspicious, but not in immediate danger, call 101.
Lock up
If you aren’t expecting someone, lock any other outer doors before answering the front door, as some scammers work together. Put the door chain on if you have one.
Check ID
Ask to see ID. Then close the door whilst you verify this. Legitimate individuals will be happy to wait while you perform these checks.
Don't phone the number on the caller’s ID card, look up the company’s number on their official website or in an official phone directory.
Set up a password
To avoid being scammed by someone claiming to be from your energy company, you can call your gas and electricity providers to set up a utilities password. Anyone who turns up (such as meter readers) should have this.
The onus is on you to call your utility company to arrange this. To activate the service they might need to put you on their Priority Services Register.
Consider a smart doorbell
Smart doorbells incorporate a camera and can enable you to speak to a caller without opening the door. You can also connect them to a loved one's device so they are also notified when you have a caller, which may be useful when a vulnerable person is home alone.
Other useful info
For further information on finding a tradesman you can trust, click .
For further information on doorstep scams from Action Fraud, click .
