Tackling doorstep callers

Been a victim? Call Crimestoppers Scotland on 0800 500 111

Most people who call at your home will be honest and genuine. Unfortunately, there will be a few who turn up with the intention of getting into you're your home and tricking you out of money. You should always be cautious when someone you don't know calls at your door. But by following this simple advice you can protect yourself.

 

Don't be fooled by a smart suit or convincing story

Rogue doorstep sellers and bogus callers will often be smartly dressed and usually have a convincing story to get your attention. Here's some of the lines these dodgy operators frequently use:

• "Congratulations! You've won a prize! If you could just sign here for it."
• "I noticed you've got a few loose tiles on your roof."
• "There have been a lot of burglaries round here."
• "This cut-price special offer is only available if you sign today."
• "I'm doing a survey."

They may also claim to be either from or working with the local council, police or utilities. Some may even use false identity cards or dress up for the part by wearing overalls with a false company logo but. They can be very impressive - but that's there job. So if you are in any doubt don't let them in.

Don't pay high prices for shoddy work

Rogue builders or gardeners often trick people into paying very high prices for unnecessary or shoddy work. But you won't be one of them if you remember these rules:

• Never agree to having work done by somebody who is just passing or take their word that it needs done at all.
• Never pay for anything before any work is done.
• Do not accept any offer from them to drive you to the bank and withdraw money.
• If you think work needs to be done then get quotes from other local companies and ask friends and relatives for a recommendations

Keep them out!

Some of these people may even try and enter your home uninvited - don't let them. Always keep your front and back doors locked. And If you haven't already got a door chain fitted you should think about getting one.

It only costs a few pounds and a door chain acts as an essential barrier when talking to unexpected callers. Put it on when you answer the door - but don't keep it on all the time in case you need to get out in an emergency.

Show you're not a home to door to door crime

Get a Doorstoppers door or window sticker that clearly states 'we do not buy from doorstop sellers'. And if you have a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme or No Cold Calling Area join them. You can ask about this by calling the Tayside Police Crime Reduction Officer 01307 302200.

Remember doorstep sellers can be extremely persuasive so:

• Only deal with callers by APPOINTMENT
• ALWAYS ask for an identity card and CHECK IT carefully
• DO NOT keep large sums of money in the home
• Once you let a doorstep seller into your home, they will expect a sale - and they won't give up easily.
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Know your Rights

• Even if you have been the victim of a rogue doorstep seller, there are things you can do:
• If the goods and services you bought cost more than £35 - and you did not invite the seller to call - you generally have seven days to change your mind and cancel the contract.
• If you agree to a visit after the seller rings you up or sends someone round to ask if he or she can visit, you still have the right to cancel within seven days.

Your right to cancel:

• By law and with certain exceptions, the seller must give you written details of your right to cancel. Failure to do this is a criminal offence, and the contract cannot be enforced - you don't have to pay a penny, even if goods or services have already been supplied.
• Details of the right to cancel may be set out in the body of the contract, or you may be given a separate form.
• If you have been given written details and cancel the contract, you must keep any goods that have been delivered in safe and let the seller collect them.
• If you decide to cancel the contract you can get back any money you paid. However, if you have received certain goods or services which would be awkward or virtually impossible to hand back - such as perishable goods or home improvement services - then you will have to pay for what you have received.
• If you make the first contact with the seller, and invite them to call, you have no legal right to change your mind and cancel the contract.
• If you do invite a business to call at yourhouse for whatever purpose try to ensure that a friend or relative is present.

There are two exceptions:

• If the contract specifically gives you cancellation rights.
• If you bought the goods or service on credit you will generally have five days to cancel.

This is a simplified statement of the law and does not spell out all the exceptions in the legislation. Contact Trading Standards if you would like more information.

Reporting Bogus Callers

Rogue salesman and bogus callers sometime work in pairs or even teams. They are often well organised. If you think a rogue trader or bogus caller has called at your door then report it immediately to either the Police or Trading Standards.

If you want to report any crime anonymously contact CRIMESTOPPERS SCOTLAND on 0800 500 111

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