Police have confirmed that ignoring a 'no cold callers' sign at your door is a criminal offence. The guidance, published on the Ask The Police website, clarifies when doorstep selling crosses the line into criminal behaviour and how residents can protect themselves.
Unsolicited calls can arrive out of the blue and instantly put you on edge. Even if some people brush them off as a minor irritation, others find them intrusive and unsettling, leaving them feeling stressed or anxious. It is especially frustrating when callers will not take no for an answer.
According to police officials, what they are doing could be classed as criminal. To clear up the confusion, they have explained what cold calling involves and when this seemingly minor nuisance can actually be treated as a criminal offence.
What can you do about cold callers?
On Ask The Police, a website administered by police forces around the UK, someone asked: "I keep getting cold callers at my door, is there anything I can do about it?"
The police answer reads: "You can put up a 'no cold callers' sign which should deter them from knocking on your door, and if a cold caller ignores this sign, it is a criminal offence."
It adds that while police may not be able to take action every time the sign is ignored, the information gathered can help them identify these sellers and focus enforcement efforts, hopefully preventing further offences.
Contacting the police
Stressing that "doorstep sellers are becoming an increasing problem, usually targeting older people", the police say that if you are the victim of this and the callers refuse to leave, "you can contact the police."
It adds: "If you are not in immediate danger, we would advise that you make a report via the non-emergency 101 number or on the 999 number in an emergency."
If you think a business has broken the law or acted unfairly, you can report them to Trading Standards.
Remember 'SLCC'
Age UK is reminding people that you do not have to open the door to anyone you do not know. If you do answer the door to a stranger, remember: Stop, Lock, Chain and Check.
- Stop: Are you expecting anyone?
- Lock: If not, lock any other outer doors before answering the front door, as some scammers work together.
- Chain: Put the door chain on – but remember to take it off again if people with a key, such as a carer or cleaner, need to be able to get in. Look through the peephole to see who's there.
- Check: Ask for an identity card and examine it carefully. If you're still unsure, phone the company the person says they're from. Get the number from a bill or your phone book. Don't worry about leaving someone waiting, if they're who they say they are, they won't mind. If you're being pressured or feel unsafe, contact friends, family or the police.
Spotting a genuine caller
The police advise using a chain or peephole before answering the door. The website explains: "If there is a person claiming to be from a company such as electricity/gas/water, then they will have official ID. If they are genuine, they will have no problem with you asking to see it and telephoning the company to verify it. You can also look the telephone number up yourself."
Do not use a phone number the caller provides, as you can't be sure it's genuine. If you have any doubts, don't let them in. Remember, it's safer to refuse entry than take the risk. You can always contact the company later using a verified number and rearrange the visit for another day.
Stay alert to rogue traders
If someone shows up uninvited offering to work on your garden, driveway, roof or similar, take extra care. Before committing to any significant job, aim to get two or three quotes from different reputable companies. If the price seems too good to be true, it usually is. Police have warned people to stay alert after reports of traders starting work and then demanding additional money once it's underway.
The police website adds: "Some people who offer to carry out such tasks are genuine but there are those that are not and will take advantage of people, mainly the vulnerable and the elderly. It is advisable not to allow any workmen to carry out any tasks in your home unless they have been personally recommended to you and you have approached them. If the person keeps contacting you about the work then be very careful as reputable companies tend to be very busy and do not need to chase work. Ask the workman for a card, website address, names and addresses of local premises where he/she has undertaken work (and contact one or two of them to verify personally)."
You can find a trader and check you can trust them through the Citizens Advice service.
