Cold calling
Cold calling is not illegal. However, any trader that ignores a sticker or notice on your door stating that you do not wish to receive cold calls may be committing a criminal offence. Also, any trader that ignores any requests by you to leave and not return is committing a criminal offence.
Anyone who does cold call and offers to sell you goods or services that cost more than £42 must provide you with a written notice giving you 14 days to cancel the agreement. Anyone who fails to give this notice will also be committing a criminal offence, which Trading Standards can investigate.
It is recommended never to deal with cold callers. Cold calling is a favourite method of rogue traders whose only aim is to get as much money from their victims as possible. Even if you avoid dealing with rogue traders, those who cold call will usually be persuasive and often catch you when you least expect it and your guard is down. It is difficult to make the right buying decision on your doorstep.
Stop cold calling at your door
You don’t have to answer the door to people that you don’t know, or are not expecting to call. If you are worried about cold callers you can put a sticker on your door asking them not to call.
Some people have a doorbell camera used with a smartphone so they can see who is calling and decide if they want to answer the door. This can be a good option if you feel under pressure if you can be seen behind your front door. Relatives or friends may be able to help you choose and install one.