Beware of doorstep callers

Honest tradesmen calling at your door should never pressure you into buying goods or services or signing up to a contract immediately.

Ways to help protect yourself from doorstep callers:

Stop

Are you expecting anybody, have you arranged any appointments?

Chain

Secure the door bar or chain before opening the door, or do not open the door!

Check

Ask for and double-check the caller's ID. Legitimate traders will not mind you asking and should be able to prove who they are.

• If you or a loved one are having problems with uninvited doorstep callers, you may find it useful to display a free door sticker that states, “We do not deal with uninvited callers.” 
• If you would like to display a ‘No cold calling’ sticker on your front door, please contact your local council or police. If a cold caller refuses to leave the property, you are urged to ring Thames Valley Police on 999 in an emergency or 111 in a non-emergency.
• Use a good trader scheme to find legitimate traders. Buy With Confidence is a scheme within Oxfordshire that aims to protect homeowners from “cowboy traders” by listing reputable companies.