Doorstep fraud and bogus callers
Doorstep fraud happens when criminals knock on your door pretending to be legitimate callers, such as tradespeople, utility workers or charity collectors.
While many genuine businesses do operate door-to-door, fraudsters use the same approach to gain trust and pressure people into handing over money or access to their home.
They may appear friendly and convincing, but their aim is to catch you off guard - often using urgency, distraction or pressure.
Common types of doorstep scams
Doorstep fraud can include:
- Rogue traders offering unnecessary or overpriced home repairs.
- Pressure selling or unfair contracts.
- Services that are never delivered.
- Poor quality or incomplete work.
- Fake charity collections.
- Phoney surveys used to gather personal information.
Fraudsters may also:
- Claim urgent work is needed (e.g. roof damage or leaks).
- Ask for immediate payment or cash withdrawal.
- Try to distract you while someone else gains access.
- Use your visit to assess valuables or security measures.
Warning signs
Be cautious if you notice:
- Unexpected callers offering services.
- Claims that work must be done urgently.
- Requests for cash or trips to the bank.
- Pressure to make a quick decision.
- Refusal or inability to provide verifiable ID.
- Contact details that cannot be checked.
- Deals that seem too good to be true.
How to protect yourself
- Don’t agree to a deal on the doorstep - take time to think:
- If someone comes to your door offering work you didn't know you needed or wanted, never feel pressured into any works on the doorstep there and then - a genuine tradesman will always agree to leave their details, leave a quote and be contacted later if you decide to follow up.
- Even if the person says urgent works are needed - always check with a family member, friend, neighbour or trusted trader you have found yourself to come and look - check out websites like Trust a Trader, Check a Trade or Which Trusted Traders.
- Never agree to on-the-spot payments or contracts.
- Speak to a friend or family member before making decisions.
- Use trusted or recommended tradespeople only.
- Get written quotes and compare options.
- Verify ID using official contact details (not those given by the caller).
- Never hand over cash or card details unless you are sure.
- Keep the door closed if you feel unsure or uncomfortable.
Organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch Network and Age UK highlight that doorstep scams often target people in their own homes, particularly those who may be more vulnerable.
Know your rights
- Legitimate doorstep sellers must provide clear identification and business details.
- You are usually entitled to a cooling-off period for contracts agreed at your door.
- Fraudsters will often ignore these rules or provide false information.
- Any guarantees offered by scammers are unlikely to be honoured.
If you’ve been a victim
If you think you’ve been affected by doorstep fraud:
- Contact your bank immediately if you’ve made a payment - they may be able to stop or recover losses.
- Monitor your bank statements for any unusual or unexpected activity.
- Keep any receipts, paperwork or details about the caller.
You may have been targeted if:
- You bought faulty, overpriced or substandard goods or services.
- You paid by cash, card or bank transfer to someone who knocked at your door.
Be aware:
- Fraudsters sometimes target victims again, claiming they can help recover lost money.
- This is a secondary scam - do not engage and hang up or close the door.
Report concerns
If you feel threatened or in immediate danger call 999, if it’s not an emergency you can report concerns to the police on 101.
