Society
Avoiding Door Step Scams
Cold callers at the door may offer home and landscape improvements at a special price, claiming they have been working nearby or that urgent work is required to avoid a disaster.
Published: 5 February 2026
They will take money up front but then either do not return, do a shoddy job that needs a genuine trader to fix or
escalate the price during the job as they claim more and more work is necessary. Other doorstep traders claim to be selling items such as cleaning products to rehabilitate after a spell in prison.
Distraction burglars try to distract the resident whilst an accomplice gains access to steal valuables.
Top tips:
- ∙The best thing is to not answer the door to anyone you weren’t expecting.
- However, if you do decide to answer the door you should ensure that all other doors and windows are locked before opening your door with a security chain*.
- Ask to see ID from anybody claiming to be Police, a utility company, charity or local authority.
- Check the ID for any tampering and contact the organisation the visitor claims to representusing a number you know to be correct (not one appearing on the ID card).
- Do not buy any goods at the door. Display a door sticker to deter cold callers, which you canobtain at your local library.
- If you wish to have any property improvements, find approved traders on the
Buy With Confidence scheme or at
Safe Local Trades.
Become a Friend Against Scams
If you would like to increase your knowledge and understanding of scams you can complete Friends Against Scams e-learning at ![]()
www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/become-a-friend/cambridgeshire or can request a talk to your community group by contacting fraudandcyberprevent@cambs.police.uk
Reporting a Scam
Scams should be reported to ![]()
Report Fraud on their website or by calling 0300 123 2040
In the case of doorstep scams (rogue trading, distraction burglary or Nottingham Knockers), these
should be reported to Cambridgeshire Constabulary – on 999 if it’s a live incident or, if it has already
happened, call 101 or use the ![]()
reporting tool on their website.
*![]()
Cambridgeshire Bobby Scheme supply and fit home security equipment such as door chains, key
safes, window alarms and more.