Doorstep Traders

Mature man, looking expectantly when answering dark blue front door
  • Doorstep Traders are also known as Rogue Traders.

If somebody knocks your door out of the blue offering to clean your drive or roof, maybe fix a roofing tile or sort out your garden they are unlikely to be a genuine trader. They may quote you a very reasonable price in the first instance but once they have started the work this will escalate. They are likely to be unskilled, do a poor job and potentially leave you in a worse state than before they started. 

These are criminals, who target areas where they feel vulnerable residents may live. They will knock on doors, generally claiming to be working in the area and offer to carry out work on your property.  

They will offer to do work for what seems like a reasonable price. Usually they find problems halfway through the job and the price will escalate. They will rarely be trained or qualified in carrying out the services they offer. Which means a poor job will delivered. You will then have to pay more to a reputable trader to correct the problem. They will quickly turn from being very pleasant to using intimidation and threats. 

Some tips to stay safe from doorstep traders  
  • Never deal with anyone who knocks on your door out of the blue and offers to do work for you 
  • If you have a flyer through the door this doesn’t mean they are a genuine trader. Fliers are cheap and easy to produce and we see many rogue traders using them 
  • Use a window or spy hole to see who is at the door or use a door chain if you have one. If you don’t know who is calling you don’t answer 
  • They may carry out inspections on areas you cant access. For example in your loft or on the roof. Then they will claim to find problems, often showing you pictures, video or meter readings. These wont be genuine
  • Never allow anyone into your home that you don’t know 
  • Never allow a trader to take you to the bank 
  • Take time to consider your options, never feel pressured into making a decision, say no 
  • Use a no cold calling door sticker. These are available from us, please email: trading.standards@iow.gov.uk . Whilst this might not prevent the rogue trader from knocking your door, if they refuse to leave when asked they are committing an offence. We would recommend calling the police on 101 
  • If you see somebody knocking doors in your area please call Trading Standards on 01983 823371 (within office hours). Or the Police on 101 giving as much information as you can 
  • If you have elderly family, friends or neighbours make sure they are aware of this information. It could prevent them from becoming a victim in the future

Remember it is your home you do not have to answer the door or let anyone in! 

Remember you are not being rude if you refuse to discuss having work carried out on your home and shut the door. 

If you have any suspicions about a cold caller they may continue knocking on doors in your neighbourhood until they find someone who may be vulnerable. If we or the Police don’t know about them, we can’t do anything!

So, if someone suspicious does call at your door, always report it. Tell us a description of the vehicle and its registration and anything you remember about the trader.

  • Call us on 01983 823371 or the Police on 101 to help safeguard your community. 
  • Please don’t put yourself in danger just tell us what you can see safely. 

If you do happen to get caught off guard and a cold caller does talk you into having work done let us know about it as soon as possible. If they are working outside use your house phone from indoors. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. The sooner we know about it, the better chance we have of catching them and stopping them from conning other vulnerable residents. 

Cold callers, if in doubt keep them out!

How to check or report

These useful websites and contacts can help you when you need further advice or wish to report and issue.

Citizens Advice

Action Fraud

IW Trading Standards 

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