Doorstep fraud
Doorstep fraud occurs when a cold-caller offers you a service you don't need. They might claim to have noticed an issue with your property, such as the roof, and propose to fix it for cash or at an inflated price.
Table Of Contents
Identifying Doorstep Fraud
Fraudsters use multiple tactics to manipulate people into believing they need a particular service. This may be hard for some, especially those who are considered vulnerable, to spot. Below are some of the ways to recognise doorstep fraudsters:
- 1
An unexpected visitor warns you about a problem with your roof or driveway that requires immediate attention.
- 2
They ask for an upfront payment before starting the work.
- 3
They persuade you to visit your bank and withdraw money while they set up.
- 4
They discover additional issues that require more immediate payments.
Door-to-door frauds can take many forms, including:
- pressure selling
- unfair contracts
- overpriced or substandard home maintenance or improvements
- phoney consumer surveys
- bogus charity collections.
Such frauds involve promoting goods or services that are either never delivered to you or are of a very poor quality. Fraudsters may also bill you for work that you didn’t agree to. There are specific laws about door-to-door sales. Many are required to give you a ‘cooling-off’ period (where you can change your mind or request your money back). Bogus tradesmen will offer none of these, and even if they do, you can be sure their ‘guarantee’ will not be honoured.
Bogus salespeople will provide false identity or contact information, making it impossible for you to identify or contact them. If you’ve paid them in advance, you won’t get your money back.
Even if your bank or insurance policy covers any loss, you’ll still have to contend with a damaged credit rating, continued correspondence over a prolonged period to repair the damage, and the emotional distress and anxiety identity theft can cause.
Also, be wary of opening your door to a potential burglar or someone who wants to get inside your property to enable other people to break in. Once they get through your door, fraudulent salespeople can take note of your valuables and any security measures you have in place.
Are you a victim of bogus tradesmen fraud?
- You’ve bought faulty, overpriced or substandard goods or services from someone knocking at your door.
- You’ve paid for these goods or services by credit or debit card.
How to protect yourself against doorstep frauds:
- 1
Advanced payments and contracts: Don’t immediately agree to any offer that involves an advance payment or having to sign a contract on the spot. Always speak with a friend or family member first. Remember, under no circumstances would a genuine business or organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.
- 2
Trusted tradespeople: Trading Standards advise that you should only use tradespeople that have been recommended to you by people you trust, or pick one from the ‘Approved Tradespeople’ leaflets that are distributed by local councils.
- 3
Verify: You should always check the credentials of an unexpected sales person that knocks on your door. You can always call the company they represent to verify their identity, but don’t use any contact details they give you.
Reporting Doorstep Fraud:
If you suspect you have been a victim of doorstep fraud, it is important to report it as soon as possible. Here are the steps to take:
- 1
Contact Your Local Authorities: Report the incident to your local police station or fraud prevention unit.
- 2
Reach Out to Consumer Protection Agencies: Notify organisations such as Citizens Advice or Report Fraud in the UK.
- 3
Inform Your Bank: If you have made any payments, contact your bank immediately to alert them to the situation and seek their assistance in potentially recovering lost funds.
- 4
Warn Neighbours: Inform your neighbours about the fraudster to help prevent them from becoming victims.
Why Report Doorstep Fraud?
Reporting doorstep fraud is crucial for several reasons:
- 1
Protect Others: Your report can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
- 2
Assist Law Enforcement: Providing information to the authorities can aid in the investigation and prosecution of fraudsters.
- 3
Recover Losses: Timely reporting increases the chances of recovering lost money or preventing further financial damage.
- 4
Raise Awareness: Reporting contributes to public awareness campaigns, educating others about the risks and signs of doorstep fraud.
What should you do if you’ve been a victim?
- Report it to Report Fraud.
- You can report the salesperson to the Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. or to the National Trading Standards if you believe they have sold you faulty, inferior or overpriced products or services.
- Similarly, you can seek advice from Citizens Advice about the terms and conditions of any agreement or contract you may have signed.
- If you’ve made the payment by credit/debit card or by cheque, contact your credit card company and/or bank and advise them that you’re a victim of improper door-to-door sales techniques and your identity or financial details may have been compromised. They’ll advise you on cancelling payments and ensuring your finances remain secure.