(Updated 03/04/2023)
Doorstep Crime can affect anyone, but often elderly and vulnerable people are targeted by Rogue Traders offering home improvement services, or by Bogus Callers who claim to be from the council, police, health carers, market researchers or utility and phone companies, insulation and solar panel companies.
Types of Doorstep crime:
There are many forms of doorstep crime, the main types being:
- Distraction Burglary,
- Bogus Callers/Bogus Officials,
- High Pressure Doorstep Selling and Rogue Traders.
Due to the nature of these crimes the Isle of Wight Trading Standards Service works closely with the Isle of Wight Police to combat this intrusive and often upsetting crime. Doorstep Crime is a major issue and a high priority for the Trading Standards Service.
Doorstep Callers and Sellers:
Some traders who call at your door can be honest and genuine. However, some are not and can be extremely persuasive. Examples of cold calling and doorstep selling include:
- Pressure selling,
- unfair contracts,
- overpriced or substandard home maintenance or improvements,
- phoney consumer surveys
- and bogus charity collections.
Often services offered through cold calling are:
- Home improvements and repairs,
- security systems,
- mobility aids,
- gardening services,
- power washing,
- tarmac and driveway repairs etc.
They may pressure you to agree for work to be done or to conclude a sale. Remember to always think If you haven’t asked for it – do you need it?!
Rogue doorstep sellers will usually insist on starting the work the same day and will often ask for cash up front. They may offer to take you to the bank or building society so you can get the money out.
You should also always be wary of leaflets posted through your door offering services, this can be just another way the unscrupulous trader will attempt to persuade you to have work done.
What to do if faced with a cold caller?
- If you are not expecting anyone to call, use a window or spy hole to see who is knocking. If it is not someone you know don’t answer the door!
- If you do get caught by someone either on the doorstep or whilst you are in your garden trying to sell you goods or a service remember you should never enter into a contract without giving yourself time to think about it.
- If you are worried by what they are telling you, we recommend that you call in one of Trading Standards Approved Traders who will assess the work and give you reliable advice.
- Never agree to any contract straight away.
- Ask for the trader’s contact details and state you will get back to them if you decide to have the work done.
- If you do agree to having work done by someone who has just knocked your door and then have second thoughts contact the Police on 101 or Trading Standards on 01983 823000 option 1 immediately so that we can help you.
- They may offer to take you to the bank to withdraw the cash to pay them – no honest trader would behave in this way. Do not do go with them.
- Having a door chain is a good preventative measure – when someone knocks at your door by using the chain they are talking to you through a small gap this makes it difficult for them, but easy for you to shut the door.
- Having a sticker on your door indicating that you do not buy goods and services at the door may not stop them knocking but is the first indication by you that you do not want them to call and helps in any investigation. You can obtain a sticker by emailing trading.standards@iow.gov.uk or they are available from Southern Vectis shops in Newport and Ryde.
- Remember it is your home you do not have to answer the door or let anyone in!
Getting help from us:
Find out how you can get advice online or contact Citizens Advice local to you.
In particular, we have information on money management and dealing with debt.
Other Helpful Links:
