Doorstep Crime – Scam Prevention

What Is Doorstep Crime?

Doorstep crime refers to rogue traders, bogus callers, and distraction burglary. Whilst we do have genuine callers at our doors, there are also those that aim to exploit people in their homes.

This type of crime includes people that knock on your door offering fraudulent services, being overcharged for services, as well as false use of logos or ID that appear to be genuine.

Statistics

Above figures from the NFIB Fraud and Cyber Crime Dashboard reports (1 April 2023 – 30 March 2024):

• 5,728 reported cases of door-to-door sales and bogus callers (across the UK).
• £34.5 million total loss from these cases.
• 70-79 and 80-89 are the two most common age groups reported to be victims.

Criminals Are Moving Online

Now more and more people are looking for traders online, some criminals have changed their tactics.

They target consumers through trader websites where they can create profiles and search for consumers to target, offering cheaper-than-market prices to gain a response.

If you are being offered what seems to be unbeatable value, then it could be a scam.

Don’t be rushed into making a decision and always seek a second opinion.

Common Tactics

Criminals use a variety of doorstep tactics to make victims part with their money or gain entry to their homes. Some of these tactics include:

• Charging the victim an extortionate rate for the work or goods.
• Damaging the victim’s property deliberately in order to get money.
• The quality of the work can often be poor, take longer than necessary, or never be completed in full.
• They may sometimes pose as utilities officials or doorstep salespeople.

Preventing Criminals

Criminals may be deterred from approaching your property if you make it clear that they are not welcome.

Consider looking into doorbell cameras for extra surveillance if you are concerned.

You can create a ‘no cold calling’ sign to put in your window or consider checking with your local authority to see if they have any stickers available. You can also go to the Friends Against Scams website to download and print.

www.FriendsAgainstScams.org.uk/NCC

Useful Information

• Consumers who are targeted by doorstep crime are more at risk of suffering from lower wellbeing.
• The use of camera technology near the doorway can reduce the chance of being defrauded at the doorstep.
• You are legally entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period for contracts made in your home.

Are You Looking to Hire a Tradesperson?

Many rogue traders have adapted to operate online by creating fake profiles to target consumers with their fraudulent services. Always do your research. Consider looking online for trusted trader schemes or ask your local authority for advice on what’s available in your area.

Targeting Victims

Criminals often target when they believe their victims are in a more vulnerable state and therefore more susceptible to being taken advantage of. There are many situations in which a person could feel more vulnerable than usual, such as a bereavement, the aftermath of severe weather, or even just being in a rush.

Criminals may also take advantage of people who are accessing a marketplace for the first time, such as roofing repairs or home extensions. The homeowner may have no prior experience of costs, materials, and regulations associated, which is an area that criminals would try to exploit.

Reporting & Advice

England & Wales

Report: Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

Advice: Contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133

Scotland

Report: Call Police Scotland on 101

Advice: Contact Advice Direct on 0808 164 6000

Northern Ireland

Report: Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

Advice: Contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262

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