Norfolk Trading Standards are reminding residents to be on their guard to doorstep cold calling even if they are displaying a No Cold Calling sticker.
We often receive report from residents who have had cold callers at their door despite displaying a sticker, with some reporting that the callers can be difficult to turn away and, in some cases, verbally aggressive when the presence of the sticker is pointed out.
We are asking residents to report all doorstep cold calling incidents to us, especially if their property is displaying a No Cold Calling door sticker of any type. We are also offering the following advice:
- If someone cold calls at your property remember it is your doorstep so your decision whether you even answer the door, if you can check through a spy hole or look from a window to see who is there
- Think about your home security, make sure other doors to your property are locked before answering the front door
- If the person is offering services or trying to sell something politely but confidently say you are not interested and close the door
- If the person is claiming to represent an authority, organisation or charity ask to see ID. If ID is offered, ask if you can take it to check its validity. If you are given the ID close the door and contact the company or organisation on the ID by a number you find online or in the phone book, DO NOT use information on the ID, it could be fake
- If no ID is offered, the caller refuses to let you check it, or you can not verify it is genuine politely but confidently say you are not interested and close the door
- As the cold caller leaves, if you can safely from inside your property watch and see: Do they go to call at neighbouring properties?
- Do they return to a vehicle, is it sign written, can you see the make, model, colour and registration plate?
- Are they alone or working with others?
- Note down a description of the cold caller, why they were calling and who they say they were representing – all of this information is very useful to Trading Standards and the Police when looking at Cold Calling incidents
You can report doorstep cold calling incidents to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133 or to Norfolk Constabulary on 101. If you feel threatened or have concerns for vulnerable neighbours always dial 999.
If you would like one of our No Cold Calling door stickers call the Norfolk County Council customer service centre on 0344 800 8020.
Why not consider setting up a No Cold Calling Zone in your community? You can find out more about our scheme at www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz