Doorstep crime and bogus callers

Information about doorstep crime, how to spot a rogue trader and protect yourself.

On this page:

What is doorstep crime?

What types of doorstep criminals are there?

How can I spot a Rogue Trader?

How can I protect myself from doorstep crime?

What else can I do to stop being defrauded by a Rogue Trader?

What action should I take if someone visits me and I think they’re a doorstep criminal?

How can I protect my family, friend and neighbours?

Bogus phone calls

What is doorstep crime?

From bogus callers to rogue traders, doorstep criminals are cunning, creative, and convincing.

Anyone can be fooled as these people are professional con artists. The over 60s are targeted the most.

What types of doorstep criminals are there?

There are two main types:

Bogus callers try to get into your home or get personal details by pretending to be someone they’re not.

This can include council staff, charity collectors, meter readers and police officers. In reality, they are criminals trying to steal money and valuables.

Rogue traders usually cold-call. They claim to be workers offering services, make repairs or carry out work on your property. In reality they charge inflated prices for shoddy or work that isn't needed.

We do not recommend dealing with cold-callers.

How can I spot a rogue trader?

They tell you the work needs to be done immediately.

They will ask to paid there and then. They may offer to go to the bank with you if you don’t have the cash at hand.

How can I protect myself from doorstep crime?

Here are some tips to follow to protect yourself.

Be on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly
Keep front and back doors locked
Use the door viewer or nearby window when answering the door
Fit a door chain or bar – use it and keep it on when talking to callers at the door
If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door
Don’t feel embarrassed - genuine callers expect you to be careful
Only let callers in if they have an appointment - confirm they are genuine
Always ask for identification badges, but don’t rely on them
Identity cards can be faked – phone the company to verify their identity
Some companies offer a password system - ask if this can be used
If you have a password with a company make sure the caller uses it
Never let people persuade you to let them into your home – they may not be genuine.
If someone is persistent, ask them to call at another time and get a friend or family member to be with you
Never agree to pay for goods or give money to strangers who arrive at your door
Don’t keep large amounts of money in your home
Remember, it’s your home, there’s no reason why anyone should ever enter your home against your wishes
If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door.

What else can I do to stop being defrauded by a rogue trader?

Trading Standards advice is:

Don’t feel pressurised into agreeing to immediate work or buying a product or service
Don’t agree to buy from the first person who calls
Don’t pay cash up front. Don't offer to go and get money
Shop around if you decide you need work done
Ask what your cancellation rights are
Report them.

What action should I take if someone visits me and I think they’re a doorstep criminal?

Here are some tips if you think someone is a doorstep criminal.

Keep the caller out of your house. Ask them to leave and call the police immediately on 101.

You might also want to try to alert a family member or attract a neighbour’s attention. You should always contact the police first by dialling 101.

The police would much rather attend a false alarm than have someone fall victim to a doorstep criminal.

If the person refuses to leave your door, or you feel threatened or scared - call 999 and ask for the police.

Note down their description and the description of any vehicle they’re using, including make, model, colour and registration number.

How can I protect my family, friend and neighbours?

Discuss the advice on this page with family, friends or neighbours who are older or vulnerable.

There are also other things you can do to help protect them. Everyone has a part to play to keep the community safe.

Keep an eye out for strange vans in your neighbour's driveway
Make sure your relatives are not regularly taking large amounts of cash out of the bank
Make arrangements to ensure your relative’s house looks well maintained
Make it less obvious that an older person lives alone
Doorstep criminals will often target the same victim more than once. Be alert if someone has been a victim before
Police Scotland has a ‘Nominated Neighbour Scheme’ which can assist those who prefer not to answer the door to those they don’t know (read our Nominated Neighbour information)
Report any suspicious activity in your community immediately to Police Scotland on 101 or to your local authority Trading Standards
For more information on doorstep crime or assistance regarding home security contact your local Community Policing Team on 101.