Keeping safe at home

Buying on your doorstep can be convenient and there are a number of legitimate companies that use this technique.

Unfortunately so do criminals. They'll use clever tactics to pressurise you into providing information that can be used for fraud or persuade you to buy goods and services you don’t want.

Criminals may also pose as officials, or utility company employees, or even pretend to be carrying out customer surveys to gain access to your home or personal information.

Ways to protect yourself against doorstep fraud include:

• Consider fitting a door chain and spy hole
• Always ask for and check identification before letting anyone you don't know into your house
• If you're interested in the product ask the seller to leave contact details so you can arrange an appointment with their company
• Don’t sign on the spot – shop around and get at least 3 written quotes
• Don’t reveal personal or financial details

If you do decide to buy:

• ask for references from previous customers
• always get any agreement you make in writing
• ensure you know what the cooling-off period is
• never pay for work before it has been completed, and only then if you're happy with it.