Doorstep crime - Trading Standards

Doorstep fraud and no cold calling zones

Doorstep fraud

Doorstep fraud often involves an individual or small groups of cold callers. making uninvited doorstep calls on residents. These callers may be traders, or bogus callers posing as traders, charities or officials.

Common doorstep trade callers include:

  • roofing
  • windows
  • landscaping, gardeners and tree surgeons
  • driveways
  • gutters
  • power washing
  • moss removal
  • loft Insulation
  • low-value household goods

Avoid falling victim to doorstep fraud

To avoid becoming a victim of doostep fraud:

  • never let a stranger into your home
  • don't agree to purchase goods or services following a doorstep call
  • consider whether you need to have any work carried out it the first place; if in doubt, get a second opinion
  • if work is necessary, obtain comparative quotations from at least 3 reputable local traders
  • remember that you have 14 days to cancel any consumer contract
  • read about the Buy With Confidence scheme
  • never pay money or provide bank details to a stranger
  • report concerns about possible doorstep fraud as soon as possible by telephone Citizens Advice's consumer help line on 0808 223 1133, or call the police on 101or 999 if an emergency

Further advice

Read ActionFraud's guide to doorstep fraud.

Find out how to spot doorstep fraud (GOV.UK)

Read Bedfordshire Police's advice on door-to-door and courier fraud

No cold calling zones

Remember:

  • all residential areas in Central Bedfordshire are no cold calling zones
  • traders who make unwanted doorstep calls will be investigated where a possible offence has been committed, such as misrepresentation of goods and services and or persistence and not leaving when asked

Contact Citizens Advice's consumer service