Dealing with doorstep traders and protecting your neighbours
Changing your mind
If you agree to work worth £42 or more, you usually have 14 days to cancel and get your money back.
- You must cancel in writing - keep a copy for your records
- The trader must give you written information about:
- your cancellation rights
- the work agreed
- their name, address, and contact details
If they do not give you this information - or it is unclear - the contract may not be valid, and you may not have to pay anything.
Report all doorstep traders
Even if you feel confident, always report doorstep traders to Trading Standards. This helps protect vulnerable neighbours and keeps your community safe.
Email: trading.standards@highland.gov.uk
Spotting signs of doorstep crime
If you are worried about a neighbour, friend, or relative, look out for:
- strange vans or utility vehicles in their driveway
- frequent visits from unfamiliar people
- the person seems withdrawn, upset, or unusually quiet
- visible work being done on their property
- home improvement paperwork lying around
- large cash withdrawals or bank books left out
How you can help
You can support neighbours by:
- encouraging them to report unexpected traders to:
- Trading Standards
- Police Scotland (call 101)
- suggesting they contact utility companies to set up a password scheme for verifying callers
- recommending they install a peephole and door chain
- advising them not to keep large sums of money at home
- warning them never to accept a lift to the bank or cash machine
- speaking to their local councillor or Community Council about setting up a Cold Call Control Zone
In an emergency
If you or someone else feels threatened or unsafe:
Call 999 immediately