It is possible to protect yourself and the people you care about from these kinds of scams. Deterrents like CCTV cameras and ‘no doorstep sellers’ stickers in the window really are effective, according to Trading Standards.
- Regularly check in on elderly or vulnerable relatives. Ask if they’ve had anyone knocking at their door recently. Leave notes on the back of the door to remind them to not hand cash or personal details over to any strangers that call by might also be helpful.
- Adopt a blanket rule not to buy any products or services offered at the front door. A simple and concise refusal could be: ‘Sorry but I don’t buy from doorstep sellers. Thank you and goodbye.’ This goes for anyone that calls by who isn’t expected, or you haven’t made an appointment for, such as water or electric meter readings or gas engineers.
- If there are any safety fears, police and Trading Standards advise to call 999. Don’t be afraid of being a timewaster – this is a serious crime. It’s an offence for a trader to refuse to leave your property if you’ve asked.
Reporting scams or attempted fraud is important for warning others, and to inform the police. You can report to Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.
You can call Citizens Advice to report to Trading Standards, or visit its website where you can use the reporting tool to share what’s happened. The information you share will be passed onto the local Trading Standards office.
If your local area is plagued by door knockers, you can also apply to your local council to become a No Cold Calling Zone.
You could also consider installing a smart doorbell.