Consumer Help guide

Handle a doorstep seller or cold caller

Deal confidently with doorstep sellers and cold callers, cancel a contract you regret within the time limit and report rogue traders safely.

Estimated time: 20–30 minutesUpdated: 28 September 2026

Use this guide if someone has knocked at your door or phoned offering work, products or services, or if you have signed something at home and now have doubts. Have any paperwork, business cards or contract documents ready.

Step by step

  1. Stay in control at the door

    You do not have to open the door or let anyone in. Use a chain or spy hole, ask for identification and say you do not make decisions on the doorstep. Genuine traders will leave details and wait for you to contact them.

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