Bogus doorstep callers

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Bogus doorstep traders operate throughout Britain every day.

Here are some practical steps you can take to make sure you do not get caught out:

• When you receive an unannounced caller at your door, do not rush to open the door. Wait until you are 100% confident of the identity of the caller.
• With the door still closed ask the identity of the caller and the reason for their visit.
• If the caller is from a company, for example, a utility company, with the door still closed ask for identification to be shown, and passed through the letterbox for you to check. Genuine callers will not be offended by this request.
• With the door still closed, check the identification, and make a phone call (using the number in the telephone book and not on the card) to confirm credentials.
• Only when you are confident and happy to do so, open the door.
• If at any point you are in doubt ask the caller to return at a later time/date when you can have a family member or friend in the house with you.
• When a doorstep seller calls on you, do not sign or commit yourself to anything until you have had time to think matters over and compare prices with other companies. Beware of offers of special discount prices - they are simply a sales technique.
• Make sure you read any agreement carefully before signing and get it checked by someone you trust if you are not satisfied with it.
• Do not sign anything until you are sure you know what commitment you are making.
• If you sign an agreement at home or agree to buy something from a cold caller (someone who comes to your door without you asking them to call), you have seven days to cancel the deal. If a seller contacts you, either by an unsolicited phone call or personal visit and then offers to visit, you will still have seven days to cancel any agreement you sign during the subsequent visit.
• If you have cancellation rights these must be given to you in writing, although if you have specifically asked a seller to visit you at home, you may not have a right to cancel.
• If you buy something on credit you can cancel whether you invited the trader to call or not, provided you discussed the deal face to face with the seller and you sign away from the seller's business premises (i.e. in your own home).
• If you decide to have work carried out, consider paying by cheque or credit card and always get an invoice which includes the trader's name and address. In some cases, you have added protection if you pay by credit card.
• Traders may offer you "special deals" for that day only. Do not feel under pressure to sign. Shopping around may unearth an even better deal.
• Try to employ only tradesmen recommended by friends or family.

Remember you cannot become a victim of bogus caller crime if you do not open your door!

Password Scheme

It is a good idea to arrange a password with your utility providers, so you can tell if utility callers are genuine. All that is required is for you to contact your service provider and ask for a password to be set up for your account.

If you require further consumer advice on doorstep sales, please contact our partners, Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, or visit their website. You can also visit the OFT website for further guidance.

Contact information

• email: ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• fax: 0141 842 5457
• call in or write to us at:
  Trading Standards
  Environmental Services
  Renfrewshire House
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1UG