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Cold Callers

Cold Callers

We have had reports of cold callers in the area.

Cold calling is the act of making uninvited visits to your home with the intention of selling goods or services. 

Trading Standards receive a lot of complaints from people where cold callers try to get them to agree to have property repairs or improvements including roofing, driveway surfaces, fascia, soffits gutters/cleaning, power washing drives, roofs  etc,

These cold callers may overcharge, do unnecessary work, or provide poor quality services and not use correct equipment causing further damage to roofs etc, which then need more remedial work which they offer to carry out at more expensive to victim. 

How to protect yourself from doorstep crime

  • Cold Callers need a pedlar’s certificate to sell door to door ask to see it.
  • Never agree to have any work done because of a cold call. Don't make snap decisions and don't be pressurised into having the job done.
  • If you think work needs doing to your home, get quotes from two or three traders. Ask friends and relatives to recommend a reputable business.
  • Ask for the full name and address from a trader before considering dealing with them. Never rely solely on a mobile phone number.
  • Ask for a written quotation detailing all the proposed work and a final price for the job.
  • Only pay once the work is completed to your satisfaction. Don't pay cash. Don't pay money up front for trader's materials.

    • Remember, for most contracts agreed to in your own home you have a 14 day right to cancel, to change your mind. For such contracts you should always receive the information about this cooling off period in writing from the trader, not to do so is a criminal offence.  Even if the work has started within these 14 days, you may still be able to cancel.

    Trading Standards advice is to always say no to cold callers.  

    Contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 

    Our advice is to always say "No thank you – please leave" and then immediately close the door. If the trader won't go away, tell them that you will call police/Trading Standards. If you feel under real threat or in danger, you should contact the Police on 101 or if it is an emergency dial 999.

    Try and get as much information as you can, without putting yourself in danger, such as:

  • vehicle description and registration number,
  • business name telephone number,
  • what they are selling or the work they are doing
  • dates and times of the visit
  • keep hold of any fliers / leaflets they may have given you
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    Message Sent By
    Richard Fisher
    (Police, PCSO, Fylde)
    Neighbourhood Alert