Bromley trading standards is advising residents to be very wary of so called Nottingham Knockers cold-calling and offering household products such as tea towels, dishcloths, and dusters for cash, with the risk of poor quality, inflated prices, and a lack of redress.
They may claim to be in a rehabilitation scheme to persuade residents to purchase from them and can be persistent. We are concerned that your details will also be passed on.
Check who is at your door before you decide whether or not to open it. Please remind relatives, friends, and neighbours who may not be aware:
Don't deal with doorstep traders – Never allow unknown people into your home
If they are in your area, call the police on 101 with a description of them and any vehicle they may be using. They need a pedlar’s certificate from police to sell door-to-door.
For more information on doorstep scams visit:
Doorstep scams and how to avoid them – Which? (Nottingham Knockers)
Report and assistance
Protect yourself and others by reporting incidents
Report to police on 101. If the cold caller is persistent and refuses to leave, you can call the police on 999.
If you (or someone you know) would like a cold caller sticker for your door or window, let us know at trading.standards@bromley.gov.uk or through Citizens Advice.
Visit the Citizens Advice website for help and advice or call 0808 223 1133.
If you, a neighbour, or someone else you know is being affected by rogue traders or a scam, call trading standards’ rapid response on 07903 852 090 or visit www.bromley.gov.uk/scams.
Bromley trading standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley trading standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley trading standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.