Beware of Doorstep Scams in Essex Targeting the Elderly

Picture this. There is a knock at the door on a quiet afternoon. A polite, well-dressed man says he is working nearby and has spotted a problem with the roof. It sounds urgent, and the price he quotes is more than a thousand pounds. This is a classic doorstep scam, and rogue traders use it on older people in Essex and across the UK.

How the trick usually works

The caller is friendly and calm. He points to “serious damage”, often loose tiles, a blocked gutter or a driveway that needs work, and says it must be fixed quickly to avoid bigger costs. The pressure to decide there and then is the giveaway. Often the problem is exaggerated or does not exist at all.

Warning signs to watch for

• Unsolicited visits from tradesmen claiming to work nearby

• Pressure to pay immediately or accept urgent repairs

• High prices quoted without a written estimate

• Claims of damage that are hard to check on the spot

• No company name, address or paperwork

What to do instead

• Say no, close the door, and never agree to work or hand over money on the doorstep.

• Ask a son, daughter, neighbour or friend to take a look before anything is decided.

• Get more than one written quote from tradespeople you have found yourself.

• If you feel threatened, call 999. To report a suspected scam, call Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.

You are not alone

These scams are common and can be very convincing, and anyone can be caught out. The key is to stay calm, ask questions, and never feel rushed into a decision at the door.

If you worry about a parent living alone, regular company and a friendly face popping in can make a difference. Essex Home Support offers non-medical home help from £27 an hour, with no contract. See our services or call 07719 634112.