Be Prepared
Planning in advance
As well as always following the three step plan, there are a number of things you can do to prepare in advance and make sure you're not caught at a bad moment by a doorstep cold caller.
A Nominated Neighbour
Ask a trusted neighbour or a family member who lives nearby to help check out the identity of cold callers.
Download a 'Nominated Neighbour' poster (PDF, 422kb)and write their address in the space provided. DO NOT display the poster in your window or open your door to give it to someone on your doorstep. Simply hold the poster up at a window or post it through your letterbox, so they can visit your nominated neighbour.
Call your neighbour on the phone to let them know someone is coming around and get confirmation before letting them in. If you cannot contact your nominated neighbour, you can call your local police on 101 or Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 040506.
Callers with an appointment
If you're expecting a caller at a specific time, ask your nominated neighbour to be with you so they can check their authenticity.
Password scheme
Many organisations and gas, water and electricity companies run a password scheme - so you can set up a memorable word that is only known to them. If they know the password, you know that you can safely let them in.
So, plan in advance and get in touch with any organisation that regularly calls at your door and ask about their password scheme. These could include local utility suppliers, care services, your local council or meals on wheels service. And remember don't tell anyone else your passwords.
Useful telephone numbers
Download a form (PDF, 143kb), so you can put together a list of useful telephone numbers that you can keep close to your phone.
Trading Standards
For further support and advice regarding rogue traders, or if you're a reputable trader looking for guidance on how to trade door-to-door, visit www.tradingstandardswales.org.uk or call Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 040506 for advice and information about any consumer problem.
Know the law
Not many people know that if you tell someone to leave your doorstep, they are committing a crime if they don't go away or if they return again. The police are then entitled to arrest them.
Also, rogue traders may also be arrested under the new offence of fraud. For example, they commit fraud by False Representation if they state that a roof is in a dangerous condition and needs repair, when it's perfectly fine. They also commit fraud by Failing to Disclose, if they don't say something they have a legal duty to do, such as a home maintenance trader not providing a proper cancellation notice.
Further support and advice
Call your local council or Neighbourhood Policing Team for advice and free services that will enhance your home security.
Dealing with cold callers on the phone
It isn't just cold callers at your door who can prove a problem. A lot of scammers these days are targeting people by phone. But again remember – you're in control. Don't give out the details of any of your current or savings accounts. And don't be afraid to put the phone down on unwelcome callers.
What tricks do they use?
Popular telephone scams include people saying you've won the lottery in another country and you just need to pay a fee to release the prize. Incredibly, research by the Office of Fair Trading shows that £350 million is lost by UK consumers every year to prize draws, foreign lottery and clairvoyant schemes alone.
If it sounds too good to be true it usually is! Other scams include offering a free loan to pay off your debts for an up front admin fee. There is no loan, just more debt. You also need to watch out for people claiming that you're due a council tax rebate and they will sort it out, for a fee of course. So, be on your guard for these and other telephone scams.
If you suspect a telephone call is a scam call 101 or Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 040506. To reduce the number of unwanted telephone calls you receive, register with the telephone preference service on 0845 070 0707 or at www.tpsonline.org.uk.