Newark & Sherwood District Council

If dealing with cold calling tradesmen we would recommend the following:

Do

• Keep your front and back doors locked, even when you're at home. Fix a security chain to your door, and make sure you use it every time someone calls
• If in doubt say "No thank you" and close the door
• Make a note of any vehicle registrations or business names - ONLY IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO
• Report any cold callers via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06
• Phone the police if you feel in danger from the caller
• If you need work carried out contact the Buy With Confidence scheme for details of trades people who have demonstrated their commitment to fair and honest trading on www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or 03454 04 05 06

Don't

• Let a caller into your home if you are unsure of them
• Agree to have work done on your home without getting a second opinion or further quotes, two or three if possible
• Be lured in by the promise of discounts, one-day only offers and 'this deal is only available now'
• Believe the 'scare stories' a seller may tell you - they are rarely true
• Believe genuine companies have lots of left over products or cancelled orders