Doorstep scams

Fraudsters might target you when you’re at home. Know what to look out for if a stranger is on your doorstep.

 

What are doorstep scams? 

A fraudster might show up at your door offering to do some work or pretending to be on official business. They may even claim to work for a charity or be a door-to-door salesperson.

It’s your home – you don’t ever have to let anyone you don’t know inside.

Common doorstep scams

Fake police officers or bank staff

These fraudsters will knock on your door and claim that there’s a problem meaning they need to see your bank details, PIN or bank card. They could also be claiming to be a courier looking to collect your card, cash or even jewellery. A real police officer or bank worker won’t ever do this.

Real professionals carry proof of identity and they won’t mind if you want to call their company or police station to check while they wait. Never use a number that they give you – find one from a bill or official website instead.

Rogue traders

A fraudster might knock on your door to say that they’ve spotted a structural problem with your home that they can fix. The scam is that they’ll charge more than they should for the work – and it likely doesn’t need to be done at all.

Ask your friends and family for advice before agreeing to have any work done. They might be able to help you find out if the person or company is genuine. And make sure to get more than one quote – three is best before agreeing to go ahead with any work.

Fake charity collectors

Some fraudsters pretend to work for a charity. If someone claiming to be a charity worker pressures you or can’t tell you their Registered Charity Number, it could be a scam.

Learn more about registered charities.

Door-to-door sellers

Some criminals will try to rush you into buying something. They might tell you that there’s limited stock or that a discount is about to end.

Other times, the fraudsters will try to distract you at your front door while another criminal tries to sneak in at the back. Always keep your windows and doors locked when they aren’t in use.

Meter readers without ID

Sometimes fraudsters will try to get into your home by pretending to work for your gas, electricity or water company. Once they’re inside, they’ll make up a reason to pressure you into giving them money.

Some fraudsters may insist you let them inside, if they do, stay calm and ask them to leave. If they won’t – lock your door and call 999.

Learn about other scams and how to protect yourself

Scam calls

Learn how fraudsters use your details to win your trust.

Avoid scam calls

Scam emails and texts

Fraudsters try to steal your details through emails and texts.

Avoid scam messages

Pension scams

Fraudsters can pretend to be a company or adviser to target your pension.

Protect your pension

Investment scams

Fraudsters may pretend to be a genuine company or adviser.

Avoid investment scams

Protect your devices

Learn how to keep your devices safe.

Learn about device safety

Protect your identity

Fraudsters might try to steal your personal and banking details.

Keep your identity safe

Learn about the latest scams

Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to try to steal your details and money. Discover which scams are common right now.

Go to latest scams

Have you been targeted by fraudsters

Contact us right away if you think you’ve been scammed. We can then guide you on what to do next.

Contact us now

Stay scam safe

Discover how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud

Stay scam safe

Discover how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud