Rogue traders

Each year, we receive many complaints from residents who have been conned on their own doorsteps by rogue traders. These cons can involve thousands of pounds and are often on the most vulnerable residents.

Know your rights around the law and cold calling doorstep traders

If you pay or agree to pay over £42 for any services or goods that are sold to you in your home, then:

• you have 14 days to cancel the agreement. If you cancel, any monies that you have paid should be returned to you
• the trader must give you a written notice of your cancellation rights when you agree the contract. If the trader doesn't provide you with this information, they commit a criminal offence

This protection applies even when you invite a trader to your home.

Although doorstep calling is not illegal, the law states that a trader who ignores a resident's request to leave and not return commits a criminal offence. You can show you do not want to receive visits from cold calling doorstep traders by displaying our sticker.

Any trader that puts you under pressure by suggesting you have to make a decision there and then, or that the "special price" is only available for a limited period in order to make you sign up, may be committing a criminal offence.

Doorstep traders are trained in sales techniques and can be very persuasive.

Be very wary of signing anything as you may give up your rights to cancel.

Our advice is to always say "No thank you - please leave" and then immediately close the door. If the trader won't go away, tell them that you will call Suffolk Trading Standards. If you feel under real threat or in danger, you should contact Suffolk Police.

No Cold Calling Zones (NCCZs) are specific geographical areas where residents have identified that they do not want visits from unsolicited or 'cold' callers.

These zones allow residents to collectively prevent traders and salespersons from calling at their homes without a prior appointment. They're created in partnership with residents, Trading Standards, local Councillors, the police and other key local partners.

'No Cold Calling' sticker

• Are you fed up with receiving visits to your home from cold calling traders?
• Are you concerned about rogue traders calling on your elderly or vulnerable neighbours, looking for work?

If so, say "no" to cold calling doorstep traders with a Suffolk Trading Standards door sticker.

Suffolk residents can request sticker by contacting us via tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk

Download No Cold Calling sticker (JPG).

Find a trader you know you can trust.

Choose with confidence - all the businesses listed in the Suffolk Trusted Trader directory have been checked by Trading Standards.

Trading Standards check each business before it's listed by running background checks. We also monitor reviews customers leave for the businesses.

Trusted Trader is operated by Suffolk County Council Trading Standards in partnership with Trusted Directory Services. Trading Standards base their checks on the information available at the time. Members’ circumstances may change at any time.

If you need help using the online directory contact our Suffolk Trusted Trader helpline on 0333 444 2197 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Suffolk Trusted Trader Directory

Friends Against Scams is a campaign which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering communities to 'Take a Stand Against Scams'.

Scams affect the lives of millions of people across the UK. People who are scammed often experience loneliness, shame and social isolation.

By completing the online learning (which takes approximately 20 minutes), anyone can learn about the different types of scams and how to spot and support a victim.

Sign up to help Trading Standards in the fight against scams and rogue traders.

Business and Consumer Champions work with Suffolk Trading Standards to:

• protect and empower you and your local community
• build resilience against rogue traders and scams
• make Suffolk a safer place to live and work

Consumer Champions

Consumer Champions can sign up to a weekly email alert that provides information on scams as well as any doorstep rogues calling at properties in Suffolk.

The email provides guidance on your Consumer Rights as well as the dangerous products that have been recalled (see a copy of a recent alert here).

Sign up to receive a weekly Consumer Champions email alert.

Business Champions

Business Champions can sign up to receive an email alert that highlights any scams or rogues targeting businesses in Suffolk. This is not a regular communication, and is only sent when a scam is relevant to the Business Community.

We will also keep our subscribers up to date with any legislation changes and Suffolk Trading Standards prosecutions.

Sign up to receive a Business Champions email alert.