In-person scammers may ask for upfront payment for goods or services, pressure you into completing a survey to collect personal details, or ask for donations to a fake charity.
Not every door-to-door sale is a scam, but high-pressure tactics, cash-only payment requests, refusal to provide receipts, and unclear identification should be treated with caution.
Warning signs it might be a scam
Stop and think. It may be a scam if the person:
- Requests payment through unsafe methods such as cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or unusual transfers.
- Refuses to provide receipts for goods, services, or charitable donations.
- Pressures you to take immediate action before you can check the details.
- Offers items for sale at significantly lower prices than usual.
- Claims there is a quick and easy way to make money with little risk or effort.
- Asks for personal details through a survey, form, donation request, or fake registration.
Common in-person scam tactics
Door-to-door offers that demand upfront payment.
Fake charity workers asking for cash donations.
People claiming to be from government, police, or utility companies.
Surveys designed to collect personal information.
Prize or lottery claims that require payment first.
Cash-only sales with no receipt or proper business details.
Steps you can take to protect yourself
These simple steps can help prevent scammers from stealing your money or personal information.
Do not rely on contact details they provide
If you want to check whether a letter, visit, offer, or request is real, contact the person or organisation using details you found yourself, such as from an official website or trusted phone listing.
Speak to someone you trust
Before acting, speak with a trusted friend, family member, or adviser. Scammers rely on pressure and isolation to make victims act quickly.
Do not pay to receive a prize
Never pay money, fees, taxes, delivery costs, or processing charges in order to receive a prize, inheritance, refund, or promised benefit.
You do not have to open the door
If someone knocks on your door and you do not know who they are, you do not have to open your door or continue the conversation.
Ask for identification and verify it independently
Ask to see identification from anyone claiming to be a charity worker, government official, utility worker, law enforcement officer, or company representative. Call the organisation using a number you found yourself.
Avoid upfront cash payments
Never give upfront payment to a door-to-door salesperson, especially if they ask for cash only, refuse to provide a receipt, or pressure you to decide immediately.