What is Doorstep Crime?
Doorstep Crime and cold calling is a priority area for National Trading Standards (NTS) and for Trading Standards South West.
The definition of doorstep crime is the name given to crimes carried out by bogus callers and rogue traders who call uninvited at homes under the guise of legitimate businesses or trade persons.
The phrase ‘doorstep crime’ includes distraction burglary, bogus callers, rogue traders and unscrupulous salespeople. Legitimate doorstep selling involves someone selling goods or services in homes or on the doorstep.
Doorstep crime can take many forms, including; pressure selling, unfair contracts, overpriced or substandard home maintenance or improvements, phoney consumer surveys and bogus charity collections.
Such crimes involve promoting goods or services that are either never delivered or are of very poor quality. Criminals may also bill for work that was never agreed to.
Bogus salespeople will provide a false identity or contact information, making it impossible for consumers to identify or contact them. If they have paid in advance, they often won’t get their money back. This can lead to emotional distress and anxiety.
TSSW policy work
Click the link below to download our Doorstep Crime prevention leaflet to find out more about the steps a consumer can take to keep safe.
The leaflet also has a section for consumers to complete who wish to report an uninvited doorstep caller.
Completing this and using the details to report to Citizens Advice or Action Fraud will help us to investigate any criminal matters that result from Doorstep Crime activity.
A5 Doorstep Crime Leaflet2023-web
Important: If you feel threatened, intimidated or the caller won’t leave your doorstep dial 999.