For your awareness

For your awareness

Community Safety Message: Cold Callers in the Area

I have been made aware by a member of the community that male and female cold callers have been operating locally (24/02/2026). While many callers are genuine, some individuals may be rogue traders, doorstep criminals, or people attempting distraction burglary. Please take a moment to read the following guidance to help keep yourself and our community safe.

What Is Cold Calling?

Cold calling is when someone makes an uninvited visit to your home, usually to sell goods or services. Although cold calling itself is not illegal, it is often linked to rogue traders, fraud, and doorstep crime.

Police & Trading Standards Guidance

Local police forces warn that doorstep criminals often use various excuses to gain access to your home, such as pretending to be from a utility company, a charity, or conducting a survey. Some work with accomplices who enter your home while you’re distracted.

Key safety messages from UK police include:

Say NO to cold callers. If in doubt, keep them out.

Check ID through the letterbox and verify it using a trusted number from a bill or official website — never a number handed to you by the caller.

Keep all other doors and windows locked before answering the front door.

You do NOT have to let anyone into your home. Genuine representatives will understand if you choose not to engage.

Your Legal Rights

Under UK consumer law:

If you agree to buy goods or services costing over £42, the trader must give you written notice of your 14-day cancellation rights.
Failure to provide this is a criminal offence and means the contract is not enforceable.

Doorstep calling is not illegal, but if a trader ignores your request to leave, they commit a criminal offence.

Common Risks Linked to Cold Calling

Rogue traders may offer overpriced, unnecessary, or poor‑quality work.

Distraction burglars may use cold calling as a pretext to gain entry.

Fraudsters may claim to be from utilities to gather personal or property information.

How to Protect Yourself

Display a No Cold Calling sticker if you do not want visits. This clearly indicates your preference and strengthens your rights.

Never feel pressured to make an instant decision. High‑pressure tactics may be criminal.

Seek three written quotes before agreeing to any work.

Consider using a trusted trader scheme or recommendations from known sources.

Reporting Concerns

If a cold caller makes you feel unsafe or pressured:

Call 999 if you feel threatened or they refuse to leave.

Report suspicious activity via 101 or your local Trading Standards.

You can also report harassment, malicious calls, or suspected fraud via your local police force’s online services.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Dougie Beveridge
(North Yorkshire, PCSO 3758, Hambleton)