Trading standards

Common scams

Some common scams that residents should watch out for include:

  • door-to-door selling
  • phishing
  • false claims and advertising by businesses
  • overcharging
  • loan sharks and other illegal money lending scams

Door-to-door sales

Door-to-door selling is when traders or sellers visit homes to sell or promote a product or service. This can include roofing, repairs, window cleaning or household goods.

It is not against the law for businesses and traders to sell in this way. Many reputable businesses also deliver leaflets to homes. However, some traders may use door-to-door sales to pressure or scam residents.

Common door-to-door scams

Scammers may:

  • claim there is a problem with your home, such as an issue with the roof, then offer an inspection and charge unexpected fees
  • pressure or intimidate you into buying a product or service you would not otherwise have purchased
  • use a false story to make you feel pressured into buying something
  • leave leaflets promoting products or services that claim to cure an illness or solve a problem immediately

How to protect yourself

You can take the following steps to help protect yourself:

  • put “No cold callers” stickers on your front door to deter door-to-door sellers
  • contact TradingStandards@ealing.gov.uk to ask about no cold calling stickers, where available
  • print or read the London Trading Standards no cold calling leaflet
  • use Which? Trusted Traders to check whether a business or trader has been verified
  • speak to family, friends or someone you trust before making a decision at the door
  • ask the trader to leave if you feel pressured, intimidated or threatened
  • call the police if a trader refuses to leave or you feel unsafe
  • avoid paying in cash where possible, as cash is difficult to recover if you are the victim of a scam
  • get quotes from other traders before agreeing to work
  • ask for identification if someone says they are from a company
  • report suspicious activity to Friends Against Scams

Report a scam

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam, report it using Report Fraud

Further advice is also available from:

If you feel threatened, call 999.