You should always be alert when you receive a cold caller at your door. Not all doorstep callers are bogus. Some will be genuine sales people, but watch out for aggressive or misleading sales practices and rogue callers. Rogue traders are criminals who use the appearance of a legitimate business to commit crime and deprive you of your hard earned cash.
Never invite an unknown caller into your home and always use your door chain! Look out for some of the following types of phrases which may be used to try and frighten or entice you into agreeing to have work done on your property:
“You have a loose tile on your roof”
“You need to have some pointing on your chimney”
“You need some work doing on your driveway”
Never say yes on the spot.
Always get a second opinion about the work being suggested, it may not be as urgent as you think. A genuine trader will not pressure you into agreeing to have work done immediately. Do you need to answer the door? – NO! You do not have to answer the door if you do not want to, make use of security measures such as spy holes or door chains.
Check business details. Check traders’ names, phone numbers and ask for written details/headed paper. Always get a written quote, ensure this includes full business details, including owner’s name and address.
Always get a price and an idea of the length of time the job will take before paying any money. Never pay the full amount up front, always withhold money until the job is completed to a satisfactory standard.
Be wary of generous guarantees – a guarantee is only as good as the business unless it is insurance backed.
YOUR DOORSTEP – YOUR DECISION.
Do not feel guilty if you want to say no! Call the Police on 999 if you feel threatened or dial 101 to report an aggressive trader.